Pinion Shaft Lockpin on rear differential

[Grandpa's-Bronco]

I just replaced one of the rear axle seals on my 88 Bronco. The pinion shaft lockpin on the rear differential has a hex head set ***** that holds it in place. My Haynes manual mentions loctite was used on some of these. I didn't notice any loctite when I removed it. It also mentions that some of these pins cannot be re-used. From looking at the pin and set ****** I cannot see why they would not be reusable.

Any further info on this would be helpful. The torque specification is 20-25 ft-lbs for the set ***** (from the Haynes manual). Is it ok just to torque down, or do I need to add loctite as well? I want to make sure my rear differential doesn't fall apart as I am driving.

Thanks,

Christopher Skaggs

 

[Seabronc]

Well my shop manual says nothing about using locktight on this ****** just that you should use a new one. I'll venture a guess for the new one, some ***** threads are cut so that they have a natural locking ability. One time use with the proper torque will work just fine. However, if you reuse this type of ***** the locking ability is not as effective. Use caution not to over torque this ****** what often happens is that it fractures and the next time you try to take it out all you get is the head. Then you have a mess trying to get it drilled out.

I'd et a new one and torque it properly.

Good luck,

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[BLADE262US]

Hello Im pretty sure that its just toque on the bolt that holds it in you could use some blue loctite with no problems , The reason the tell you to replace the shaft is because the spider gears use it like an axle so there may be some wear on it which would cause slop in the spider gears and eventually there failure . I would think that if you feel no step down on the shaft and that it shows no other signs of wear then your all good I think Ive only had to replace one and that was in a 7.5 in a bronco 2 but keep in mind that if that shaft is worn then the spiders are too and you should replace them also . /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[Justshootme84]

I aqree with Blade on this one. As long as the shaft and bolt/lockpin are in good condition, using Loctite and the proper torque setting is adequate on most installs. The bolt is not of the type like on the engine heads that can be tightened once and not re-used, called "torque-to-yield". The lockpin for the axles is termed " torque-prevailing", meaning it can be re-used a few times before needing replacement. I've done this for installing used/swapping salvage parts or replacing the open carrier with a locker unit. If you are at all unsure about it, by all means get new parts. Particularly if you're installing new gears or axle shafts, or an expensive locker unit.

 

[Seabronc]

How stupid of me, calling a bolt a ***** :blush: . However, I'd still stick with the shop manual and use a new one. After all how much can a lousy bolt set you back and an old one over torqued will result in a mess when the head breaks off. I've seen this several times.

Good luck,

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