Yukon blog
Tech Support When it Matters
Common to all shops is the need for tech support when a technician is at the crossroads of diagnosing troublesome issues or simply figuring out how something fits. We all have those days when everything goes just right, and conversely, we have all had those days when nothing goes as planned. These are the days when the simple three-hour job can take a whole day and set your week on fire. The question is, how do you handle those jobs when your diagnostic of an issue didn’t work? When your install seemed right because you’ve done it this way a thousand times before? It could be the part, it could be the vehicle, it could just be one those days. This is when having a solid backup from your manufacturer really comes in to play. You can buy parts from just about anywhere these days but who can you trust to back you when things aren’t perfect and a little bit of help can go a long way. When it comes to drivetrains, RANDYS Worldwide has some of the best technicians, chat and phone support you can find. Installation of a drivetrain can be quick and efficient when it all fits perfect. Simple installation of new gears, kits and traction when the parts are new can take some time, but for the most part, if you’ve done it before, you can do it again. It’s the diagnostics of simple vibrations, chatter and noises that can make for a longer day. But the guys at RANDYS have been doing this for over 30 years and one quick call can make the difference between a job taking a few hours or a long day under the rig. We talked to the techs at RANDYS and found some common calls that they receive frequently. How to Identify Your Differential & Axle Type The first thing you have to know is how to identify what you’re working on. From cover bolt count, to integrated or drop out and axle types of semi, full float and more. How to Identify and Reduce Positraction Chatter Chatter between clutch packs is common when installing a new positraction. The first thing to consider is if you remembered the friction modifier. This is a common and simple miss that can be a quick solution to any issue. A good gear oil like a GL5 or 80W 90 oil will normally do the trick before having to start over. How to Measure a Semi-float Rear Axle Shaft Setting the backlash on a ring & pinion can be time consuming unless you know the proper steps. Starting with your factory carrier shims, make sure that they are clean and clear of any grit or grease before moving on. With the carrier assembly installed, attach your dial indicator with the plunger at a 90-degree angle from the face of the ring gear. Finding three locations on the gear is the most common fault when rushing through the install. Gear Tooth Contact Patterns Explained Setting up a ring & pinion can sometimes seem daunting and when tricky patterns begin to show up, downright frustrating. But it not as difficult as it seems. Centering between the toe and heel, the top and the bottom can be easily found with small changes. When it’s not working properly, a quick call to isolate your problem can make all the difference There are great manufacturers out there that provide tech support, whether it’s a tuner, exhaust, engine diagnostic tools, carburetors or whatever. You can use this tech support system to not only move forward with your installation, but get a few tech tips and learn something at the same time. It’s about time and efficiency and getting that next car in to the bay. Just remember to treat each of them right and be the guy who will call for help. When it comes to drivetrain, call RANDYS Tech line 800-330-2206. We’re here to help. Or visit Yukon Gear’s YouTube pages and find over 100 videos to get you through your day.
Geared Down to Get Out: Regearing Super Duty Axles With Yukon Gears
Ford Super Duty axles are arguably the most common setup swapped into other vehicles, and it is easy to see why. The Super Duty is one of the last vehicles on the market equipped with front and rear solid axles, and the only one with a high-pinion Dana 60 frontend. By starting with heavy-duty, eight-lug axles with 35-spline axleshafts, we didn’t feel it was necessary to upgrade shafts or U-joints, even when planning to run 40-inch-tall Milestar Patagonia M/Ts on our fullsize truck. That doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement, or that all Super Duty axles are created equal. We recently went to Axleline to upgrade the Super Duty axles in our latest project with Yukon components for improved strength and trail prowess. Axleline’s head honcho, Aaron Lechner, showed us the strengths and weaknesses of Super Duty axles, along with the changes that have been made over the last 20 years that Ford has been using these axles. Yukon makes lockers, ring-and-pinion sets, and installation kits for every generation of Dana 60 and Sterling axle. We recommend starting with the newest axles you can find since they have the biggest components to support the increases in power and tow capacity as the Super Duty has evolved. Then just add lockers and low gears and you are ready to hit the trail. Super Duty Dana 60s Through the Years While not as bad as the variations of Dana 44, where zero components from a Dana 44 under a new Wrangler JL are shared with the Dana 44 under a CJ-5, Dana 60s still have quite a bit of variation, even the ones found under Super Duty pickups. Starting in 1999, Super Duty trucks used Dana 50 axles under F-250s and single-rear-wheel (SRW) F-350s. High-pinion Dana 60s were used on dual-rear-wheel (DRW) trucks starting in 2002. These axles had spring perches for leaf springs until 2004, with virtually no axletube sticking out of the casting on the short side, making it a challenge to mount coils or links. In 2005, Ford went to coil springs, along with bigger knuckles and brakes on the Dana 60 front axles. F-450 and F-550 trucks of this era came with “Super 60” front axles that use a larger 10-inch ring gear, 37-spline axleshafts, and 1550 U-joints for even greater strength. These axles have 10-lug adapters, but removing the adapters converts them to the normal Super Duty 8x170 bolt pattern. Sterling Rears Through the Years Not all rear Sterling axles are the same, but the differential covers, axleshafts, and carriers are all interchangeable. These are full-floating axles with 1 1/2-inch, 35-spline axleshafts that are very strong. They don’t benefit from the third pinion bearing that makes the 14-bolt the king of rear axles, though, and the axletubes can spin in the centersection under hard use. Early 1985–1992 Sterling 10 1/4 axles used drum brakes, an 8-on-6 1/2 bolt pattern, and short pinion splines. The second generation (1993–1998) used longer pinion splines and a different yoke but was otherwise the same. The introduction of the Super Duty in 1999 also introduced the Sterling 10 1/2-inch axle, which has a different inner pinion bearing than the Sterling 10 1/4. The 10 1/2 also uses disc brakes and an 8-on-170mm bolt pattern. In 2005, the brakes were upgraded to 13.4-inch rotors, and in 2013 they increased again to 14.3 inches.
Tools for the Trade
From the weekend warriors to master builders, craftsmen worldwide know that no matter what you’re working on, it’s all about the tools. From Home Depot, to Lowes, to Harbor Freight, tools are readily available and at top demand. For the mechanic, having the right tools mean the difference between getting the perfect, well-oiled, clean, perfectly done job, to running around trying to find something that works—most likely a screwdriver—just to get it off the lift. But the difference between getting a job done and getting a job done right, is the proper tools. Using the tools made for that job helps to reduce time and effort, leaving more time to assure it’s the highest quality work. It’s no different for drivetrain shops. There are specialized tools for those in the industry to complete a quality install, reducing time and effort and, most importantly, making room for that next car or truck to drive up revenue. From specialized bearing pullers, to simple shim drivers, make it easy on yourself by investing in the proper tools for when a vehicle pulls in with that elusive “vibration in the rear.” Precise set-up requirements often test a technician’s ability to do a job right or restrict them from even doing the job at all. That’s how specialized tools build a business. There are four critical steps that are required to ensure a strong, quiet and long-lasting build. A specialized inch pound torque wrench is required to set the pinion bearing preload, right after utilizing a high-quality pinion depth setting tool. After that, specialized spanner tools or shim drivers allow you to dial in the backlash and carrier bearing preload. Over the years, while building thousands of differentials, Yukon Gear & Axle has perfected the necessary and specialized tools to set up even the most obscure differentials. RANDYS Worldwide designs and engineer’s quality drivetrain tools under its Yukon Gear & Axle brand. In the beginning, starting out as a regional shop over 40 years ago, RANDYS engineered and designed specialized tools around what it takes to get the job done right. Yukon has developed over 80 different tools that make differential and drivetrain assembly a cinch. Used by top shops around the country, here are some top sellers to consider: See a video of some of those tools in action here. 1. YT P22 Yukon Bearing Tool Set (YT P22 with Clamshells)– The bearing puller is used to simplify bearing removal without a press. It removes carrier bearings and most pinion bearing without risk. Different clamshell sizes offer a clean, quick and simple way to remove a bearing quickly. 2. Yukon SHIM DRIVER SET (YT SD-01) Works on Ford, GM, Chrysler and many other housings. A set of Shim drivers will become your best friend. These half-moon, heavy duty cradles are perfect for relinquishing the screwdriver, punch or pry bar to get it right the first time. No more chipping shims or hammering screwdrivers to set your shims. 3. Yukon Bearing race drivers – There are over 20 race drivers for different applications, all of which make your life easier. More importantly, the mechanic can accurately drive races and get a perfect alignment for the right fit. These drivers are built to take a hammering, which is exactly what it takes to properly set bearings. The tool keeps your races centered and straight and works much better than using a socket or even the bottom of your closest beer can. 4. Yukon Side Adjuster Tool (YT A06) – Without having the proper tool for side adjustment, it’s almost impossible to reach the recommended adjustor torque of 150+ foot pounds. Although this tool has a very single purpose, it’s exactly what’s needed to get it done right. No more stacked extensions and cobbled together drivers to get the perfect fit. Yukon also builds bolt extractors kits, spanner tools, spindle boring cutters and more to outfit a shop that wants to do the work and do it well. Do you have all the tools need? We didn’t think so.
2020 SuperJeep Challenge Builder of the Year
Everett, WA (February 17, 2020) – Yukon Gear & Axle® congratulates Rockstar Performance Garage owner Nic Ashby for being named the 2020 SuperJeep Challenge Builder of the Year Ashby’s win at the 2020 American SuperJeep Invitational Championship was supported by a multitude of Yukon products. The vehicle features Yukon gears, axles, driveshafts, a Grizzly Locker Differential, and a Yukon Zip Locker Differential. The inaugural event was held during the King of the Hammers off-road race in Johnson Valley, California. Ashby’s modified 1983 CJ7 Jeep Wrangler entry, “GRDLOC,” won unanimously by handling desert terrain and expert-level rock crawling. The event was judged by an elite and diverse panel of industry experts, including Courtney Hansen, Terry Madden, and Greg Henderson. The project took three years and was supported by many aftermarket sponsors who contributed to the vehicle’s performance, capabilities, and style. GRDLOC features the following components: 4.4 supercharged Cadillac Northstar forged V8 engine 3.0 Trophy Truck–sized King Shock coilovers Bullet Liner–coated paint Scosche 12v Power Sport/Lifestyle mounts Throttle Down custom race frame PRP racing seats Mickey Thompson 46-inch tires GenRight Off-Road aluminum armor Billet K&N Filters intake system Forged wheels R1 Concepts eight-piston brakes Nine-speaker Kicker audio system Rugged Radios Bluetooth internal communications Seven independent Mishimoto coolers 1987 Dodge Kingpin front axle and 2001 11.5-inch AAM rear axle from Yukon The judges, along with Tony May, Executive Producer of the American SuperJeep Challenge, noted that Ashby’s GRDLOC stood out for its balance of form, function, and creativity. Ashby shared that the build has been a passion project embraced by his entire team. Rockstar Performance Garage is a collaboration between Rockstar Energy Drink and LDRSHIPdesigns, created with the goal of building a lifestyle garage. “I am very thankful to everyone for developing this exciting invitational event to help showcase what can be accomplished with the Jeep Wrangler, to Yukon Gear & Axle for their incredible technical support, and to all of my sponsors who believed in this project from start to finish,” Ashby said. Neal Hollingsworth, RANDYS Worldwide Director of Marketing, added, “Nic is a visionary who is fearless in his approach to life and builds. We are very proud of his accomplishments and look forward to supporting him on future projects. It was a privilege to be part of the development of this incredible build alongside so many industry-leading brands.” For more information about Yukon Gear & Axle, call toll free at 888.905.5044, email info@YukonGear.com, or visit www.YukonGear.com. Connect with Yukon on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to stay up to date on product launches, builds, and events. For more information about Rockstar Performance Garage, email media@ldrshipdesigns.com, call 631.334.3864, or visit www.rockstarperformancegarage.com.