C2, Rear spindle set up

[Steve D.]

I read the 12/9/02 thread in the archives. Craig mentioned a set up tool to avoid repetitive pressing and unpressing of the bearings while adjusting the set up. I have seen a tool in the Corvette Central catalog. Is there more than one design of this tool? Other suppliers?

Steve

[Wayne W.]

Re: C2, Rear spindle set up

Got an old shaft(spindle) laying around? Make a tool.

[Craig S.]

Re: C2, Rear spindle set up

Steve - I bought my tools at International Axle directly, Tom supplies them to the other vendors. Wayne is right, you can fabricate your own if you wish...here is Tom's site...Craig




International Axle & Manufacturing

[Joe L.]

Re: C2, Rear spindle set up

Steve-----

As Wayne mentioned, you can make a tool from an old spindle shaft. But assuming that you don't have one around or don't want to get involved with modifying the shaft, you can purchase one of the tools that are available on the market. Otherwise, you can make the tool by simply using a scrap spindle and taking about .010" off the bearing surfaces. Then, the spindle becomes the tool.

Judging from the tools that I've seen out there, there are likely at least several manufacturers. However, they are all functionally equivalent and I don't think that any one will do a better or worse job than another. The tool is, basically, a very simple device which simply simulates the spindle shaft, but has the bearing surfaces OD just slightly smaller than the actual spindle shaft. In this manner, the bearings are a slip fit on the tool rather than the interference fit of the spindle shaft.

If you're going to purchase the tool, I'd suggest purchasing the cheapest one you can find. It should work just as well as the most expensive one.

[Craig S.]

Re: C2, Rear spindle set up

Joe - we must be insomniacs or something.....Craig

[Steve D.]

Re: C2, Rear spindle set up

Could this same approach be used for setting pinion depth? That is, machine a pinion shaft to slip fit the bearings, check depth and determine proper shim size with the slick shaft, then install the "real" pinion. This would require a "tool" for each gear ratio.

Steve

[Craig S.]

Re: C2, Rear spindle set up

Steve - no, this is not the same. Each ring and pinion are a set, and the shim depth setting depends on the set. But I will clue you in, most midyear and shark era pinion depth settings are 0.029-0.031". The cases were cut quite uniformly, and the gear settings must be pretty close. Charlie Smith uses a 0.030" shim in about 95 out of 100 rear end rebuilds he does......and he has done over 8000 to date. I have done 4 of my own, and they all had 0.030 except one had a 0.029 shim. You will find this gives a good mating pattern on new gears, and on used, make sure you retain the full tooth wear in set...Craig

[Steve D.]

Re: C2, Rear spindle set up

Thanks for the clue.