TheSamba.com :: View topic - Realistic Bentley vs Real Life axle tolerances

Mon Feb 23, 2015 7:58 pm

So the Bentley tolerances for axle to side gears are:

.001-.004 ends of axle flanges to side gears
and
.0014-.0096 between axle flange and fulcrums.

I just got my trans back from Rancho and am checking these before installation. I have .003 & .004 on the end tolerances. I have .008 and .010 for tolerance between the flange and the fulcrums.

So all on the top end of the allowable tolerances per the Bentley but my question is, is this pretty good compared to the well worn parts these days or are most working towards the low end to "buy more time" down the road (ie new fulcrums, etc.)?

Also, my pass side required 2 gaskets for the axle tube flange but my driver side requires none to be tight enough for no end play. Anyone else see this on their setup? Throw some sealant on and roll?

Thank you

Mon Feb 23, 2015 8:36 pm

So, no gasket at all, and the tube pivot's freely, without binding?

Mon Feb 23, 2015 9:40 pm

Exactly. And fortunately, not too loose. 1 gasket and I can feel the end play, none and it's perfect - just like the opposite side with 2 gaskets.

When I took this set up apart, the daisy bushing on the driver side was chewed up a bit and I assumed because it was previously assembled too tight (it had at least 1 gasket - maybe more). Now, I assume it was chewed up because of too much end play. The bushing I'm using now is a good, used one from Rancho.

Tue Feb 24, 2015 4:59 am

It will work fine without a gasket. If it is snug and still moves, it will work. Use a good sealer on the flange.

Tue Feb 24, 2015 6:23 am

I have had some side covers that were too loose with no gaskets, these get machined on the lathe. But to answer your questions, yes that is all normal.

Tue Feb 24, 2015 11:19 am

Thank you all for the input. I figured the flange would be no different than a diff cover on standard axles I've done many times with sealant only, but figured I'd bounce it off the experts.

So, I'll let the tolerances fly.