Dana 20 Rear Output Yoke - Resistance in Neutral?

[NJBronk]

I was test-fitting my JB Fab twin stick setup after getting my transmission and transfer case rebuilt and noticed that there seems to be some resistance when turning the rear output yoke with my hand when both the transmission and transfer case are in neutral. The front output yoke turns very freely, but the rear output turns with just marginally less resistance than when the transfer case rear is in 2wd high (with transmission still in neutral).

Is this normal? Or should it spin freely when everything is in neutral?

 

[ba123]

should be spinning freely if truly in neutral.

 

[Broncobowsher]

"some resistance" can be very subjective. But I also see "rebuilt" as well. So it is probably right, but hard to tell from the description.
The output shaft has bearings with preload in them, some drag that has not broken in. New tight seal as well. Probably still assembly grease in there as oil has not had a chance to spend a few hundred miles circulating that out.

I would not expect a super free spin. Should be able to spin with one hand, but not keep spinning when you stop putting effort (freewheeling) into it.

 

[kevscj5]

Have recently upgraded the output shaft on my D20 and I recall somewhere around 7in-lbs resistance for turning the output is spec with the tail housing loose on the bench. This isn’t very much. The needle bearings inside the shaft end shouldn’t add much more resistance when assembled back on the case.

 

[73azbronco]

should be spinning freely if truly in neutral.

ditto, i mean some resistance but not that tight

 

[NJBronk]

Ordered a beam style in-lb torque wrench from Amazon so that I can at least quantify the resistance / breakaway torque and go from there. Hopefully later this week.

 

[JB Fab]

"some resistance" can be very subjective. But I also see "rebuilt" as well. So it is probably right, but hard to tell from the description.
The output shaft has bearings with preload in them, some drag that has not broken in. New tight seal as well. Probably still assembly grease in there as oil has not had a chance to spend a few hundred miles circulating that out.

I would not expect a super free spin. Should be able to spin with one hand, but not keep spinning when you stop putting effort (freewheeling) into it.

What he said^^

Also give the yoke a tap (or two) with a brass hammer while your turning it to make sure everything is settled in ....

 

[NJBronk]

Just got the torque wrench - it’s about 25 inch-pounds breakaway torque. ChatGPT seems to think that’s ok (famous last words); I’ll call the rebuilder tomorrow with that info in hand.

 

[NJBronk]

Just circling back - I was able to touch base with Nick - he confirmed that they set the preload a little lighter on the front output because most people (and definitely me) will have it in 2H most of the time, so no need to prematurely wear the front out. He said the resistance I have (25 in-lb) is fine / intentional and will obviously break in as I drive (hopefully on the road by Spring...).

He also reiterated his warranty that basically even if I don't get the truck on the road for another couple of years, but something is off with the rebuild, he'll take care of it.

Thanks all for your input.

 

[DirtDonk]

That’s good service.