Dana 20 Output Shaft Bearing "Pre-Load" or set end-play

[OldBlue76]

I have searched this site and reviewed many discussions and still don't seem to find a conclusive answer so if this has been answered already, I apologize.

The original Dana manual calls for setting the shims such that there will be 0.003-0.005” of end-play when the yoke nut is torqued down.

There is a school of thought (particularly for the HD output kit instructions by Wild Horses) that calls for setting the shims such that there is a “pre-load” of 2-7 inch-pounds when rotating the fully torqued down output shaft.

These seem to be quite different, from slightly pinched bearings to 0.005 slop.

I will be replacing the bearings/races with OEM style Timken. Preload or end-play? Thank you.

 

[JB Fab]

When I set up with NEW bearings I go with zero endplay, absolute minimal preload. Checked before installing seal. Used bearings , I would recommend minimum endplay. less than .003.

Jon

 

[OldBlue76]

When I set up with NEW bearings I go with zero endplay, absolute minimal preload. Checked before installing seal. Used bearings , I would recommend minimum endplay. less than .003.

Jon

Thanks. That is where I had arrived at myself as well, but it helps to have it validated!!