[Accelo]

The crush sleeve eliminators are a good idea. They allow you to tighten the nut enough to add some additional axial force to assist in retaining the bearing during high loads. The disadvantage is getting the preload correct requires removing the bearing, possible more than once. If I was going to use crush sleeve eliminator I would install the crush sleeve to get my preload and then measure the length of the sleeve. Then use the measurement as a starting point on my shim stack. Of course this would eliminate any assembly advantage of the shim stack.

Setting up your first differential is a daunting task for the newbie.

When working on your differential you will need a wide variety of tools. Using the correct tools saves time and helps prevent parts from being damaged. Here is a list of some of the tools that you may find handy:

Dial indicator

Gear marking compound and a brush

Calipers or a micrometer (to measure shims)

Bearing pullers

Bearing press

Three foot long breaker bar or strong impact gun

Pinion nut socket (often 1-5/16")

Ring gear bolt socket

Carrier cap bolt socket

5/16” Six point cross pin bolt wrench

Pry bars for removing the carrier case

Ball pein hammer

48 oz plastic dead blow hammer

Center Punch for marking carrier caps

Oil drain pan

Foot pounds torque wrench

0-50 Inch pound torque wrench with reverse adapters to attach to pinion nut.

A beam style torque wrench for torquing the LH ring gear bolts.