AMC 20 Pinion setting

I used to do a lot of gears for our 4x4 club. I bought one of these: Pinion Depth Tool. Probably not worth the money if you're only going to do it once or twice, but it does save a lot of time if you set up gears often. I also buy most of my gears from them, pretty good prices.

Bob
tufcj

Here's a great tool for less than half the price.  http://www.precisionmeasure.com/rear2.htm  $150

Edited by Class Guy - Feb/05/2011 at 8:06am

Yes, you can use GM 12 bolt shims, BUT they aren't the correct diameter, and you have to use them under the pinion bearing, instead of under the race like factory. Ratech is the only place I've found that sells shims in the original AMC diameter. Worth the money IMO.

I had one of the "universal" pinion depth tools. Spent more time getting the tool set up than setting up the gears. The one I sent the link to requires minimal setup.

Bob
tufcj

Edited by tufcj - Feb/15/2011 at 9:52am

On the bearing set up.  Get extra NEW bearings and use a brake cylinder hone to open up the Inner races so they slip on.  Set the rear end up with the slip fit bearings and swap the press fit ones you will run after you are finished.  Don't use used bearings because they may throw off the set up.  Make sure you use the same brand and style bearing as you used for set up for most accuracy.