I did a gear change on a 8.8" Ford rear end from a 3:08 too a 3:55... And I reused the old sleeve.. This was over 40,000 miles ago and the car still shits an' gits like a bat out hell.....
I use the spacer kit, every time! Because it’s easier! But I think 28 ft lbs, like mentioned above , to turn the pinion is too much. So I fudge a little. I just make sure it hassome preload and absolutely no slack. I have seen nine inch pinions that have had a ton of slack in the pinion bearing operate just fine with no noise. Now mind you I am not recommending slack! Lol Bones
The Jalopy Journal
