Skip to main content

Ring and Pinion Gear Set Up

A diagram of a ring and pinion installation with dial inticator positioned on a ring gear tooth

To install your ring and pinion gears and/or differential correctly, it is critical to torque your bolts and set your preload and backlash correctly. The following table contains the proper specifications for all popular axles.



A banner advertisement for Drivetrainshop.com



AAM Axles - Gear Setup Torque and Backlash Specs:


Pinion Preload
(New)
Pinion Preload
(Reused)
Ring Gear
Backlash
Ring Gear
Bolt Torque
Carrier Bearing
Cap Bolts

AAM 9.25"
15 to 25 in-lbs.
10 to 20 in-lbs.
.005" to .007"
103 ft-lbs.
63 ft-lbs.
AAM 9.25" IFS
15 to 22 in-lbs.
7 to 9 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
75 ft-lbs.
80 ft-lbs.
AAM 10.5"
15 to 25 in-lbs.
8 to 11 in-lbs.
.005" to .007"
175 ft-lbs.
120 ft-lbs.
AAM 11.5"
20 to 30 in-lbs.
8 to 11 in-lbs.
.005" to .007"
175 ft-lbs.
200 ft-lbs.



AMC Axles - Gear Setup Torque and Backlash Specs:


Pinion Preload
(New)
Pinion Preload
(Reused)
Ring Gear
Backlash
Ring Gear
Bolt Torque
Carrier Bearing
Cap Bolts

AMC Model 20 / M20
14 to 19 in-lbs.
6 to 8 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
65 ft-lbs.
65 ft-lbs.
AMC Model 35 / M35
12 to 14 in-lbs.
6 to 7 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
55 ft-lbs.
55 ft-lbs.



Chrysler Axles - Gear Setup Torque and Backlash Specs:


Pinion Preload
(New)
Pinion Preload
(Reused)
Ring Gear
Backlash
Ring Gear
Bolt Torque
Carrier Bearing
Cap Bolts

Chrysler 7.25"
12 to 14 in-lbs.
6 to 7 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
55 ft-lbs.
50 ft-lbs.
Chrysler 8"
12 to 15 in-lbs.
6 to 9 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
65 ft-lbs.
75 ft-lbs.
Chrysler 8.25"
12 to 15 in-lbs.
6 to 8 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
55 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
Chrysler 8.75" - 41
13 to 15 in-lbs.
6 to 8 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
55 ft-lbs.
90 ft-lbs.
Chrysler 8.75" - 42
15 to 25 in-lbs.
7 to 10 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
55 ft-lbs.
90 ft-lbs.
Chrysler 8.75" - 89
14 to 19 in-lbs.
6 to 9 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
55 ft-lbs.
90 ft-lbs.
Chrysler 9.25" (Rear)
14 to 19 in-lbs.
6 to 9 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
65 ft-lbs.
75 ft-lbs.
Chrysler 9.25" (Front)
15 to 25 in-lbs.
10 to 20 in-lbs.
.005" to .007"
103 ft-lbs.
63 ft-lbs.
Chrysler 10.5"
15 to 25 in-lbs.
8 to 11 in-lbs.
.005" to .007"
175 ft-lbs.
120 ft-lbs.
Chrysler 11.5"
20 to 30 in-lbs.
8 to 11 in-lbs.
.005" to .007"
175 ft-lbs.
200 ft-lbs.





Dana Axles - Gear Setup Torque and Backlash Specs:


Pinion Preload
(New)
Pinion Preload
(Reused)
Ring Gear
Backlash
Ring Gear
Bolt Torque
Carrier Bearing
Cap Bolts

Dana 25
12 to 15 in-lbs.
6 to 7 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
55 ft-lbs.
50 ft-lbs.
Dana 27
12 to 15 in-lbs.
6 to 7 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
55 ft-lbs.
50 ft-lbs.
Dana 28
10 to 13 in-lbs.
5 to 6 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
55 ft-lbs.
50 ft-lbs.
Dana 30
12 to 15 in-lbs.
6 to 8 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
55 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
Dana 30 JK
12 to 15 in-lbs.
6 to 8 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
80 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
Dana 36 ICA
14 to 19 in-lbs.
6 to 7 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
55 ft-lbs.
70 ft-lbs.
Dana 44
14 to 19 in-lbs.
6 to 9 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
55 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
Dana 44 JK
22 to 35 in-lbs.
12 to 15 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
135 ft-lbs.
80 ft-lbs.
Dana 44 Corvette
14 to 19 in-lbs.
6 to 9 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
55 ft-lbs.
55 ft-lbs.
Dana 50
14 to 19 in-lbs.
6 to 9 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
65 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
Dana 60
17 to 30 in-lbs.
8 to 10 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
110 ft-lbs.
80 ft-lbs.
Dana 61
17 to 30 in-lbs.
8 to 10 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
110 ft-lbs.
80 ft-lbs.
Dana 70
22 to 35 in-lbs.
12 to 15 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
110 ft-lbs.
80 ft-lbs.
Dana 70U
17 to 30 in-lbs.
8 to 10 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
110 ft-lbs.
80 ft-lbs.
Dana 80
25 to 40 in-lbs.
9 to 11 in-lbs.
.004" to .010"
175 ft-lbs.
90 ft-lbs.



Ford Axles - Gear Setup Torque and Backlash Specs:


Pinion Preload
(New)
Pinion Preload
(Reused)
Ring Gear
Backlash
Ring Gear
Bolt Torque
Carrier Bearing
Cap Bolts

Ford 7.5"
14 to 19 in-lbs.
6 to 8 in-lbs.
.011" to .016"
60 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
Ford 8" (Drop Out)
12 to 14 in-lbs.
6 to 7 in-lbs.
.010" to .015"
60 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
Ford 8" IRS
14 to 19 in-lbs.
8 to 10 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
80 ft-lbs.
80 ft-lbs.
Ford 8.7"
14 to 19 in-lbs.
6 to 8 in-lbs.
.010" to .015"
60 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
Ford 8.8" (2-Cut)
14 to 19 in-lbs.
6 to 8 in-lbs.
.011" to .016"
60 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
Ford 8.8" (5-Cut)
14 to 19 in-lbs.
6 to 8 in-lbs.
.011" to .016"
60 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
Ford 9 Inch (OEM)
13 to 15 in-lbs.
6 to 7 in-lbs.
.010" to .016"
60 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
Ford 9 Inch (AM)
13 to 15 in-lbs.
6 to 7 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
60 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
Ford 9 Inch Daytona
14 to 16 in-lbs.
6 to 8 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
60 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
Ford 9-3/8"
14 to 16 in-lbs.
6 to 8 in-lbs.
.010" to .015"
70 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
Ford 9.75"
15 to 19 in-lbs.
6 to 8 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
75 ft-lbs.
70 ft-lbs.
Ford 10.25"
20 to 35 in-lbs.
6 to 8 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
95 ft-lbs.
80 ft-lbs.
Ford 10.5"
20 to 35 in-lbs.
6 to 8 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
95 ft-lbs.
80 ft-lbs.


A banner advertisement for Drivetrainshop.com



GM Axles - Gear Setup Torque and Backlash Specs:


Pinion Preload
(New)
Pinion Preload
(Reused)
Ring Gear
Backlash
Ring Gear
Bolt Torque
Carrier Bearing
Cap Bolts

GM 55P
14 to 18 in-lbs.
6 to 8 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
55 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
GM 55T
14 to 18 in-lbs.
6 to 8 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
55 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
GM 7.2" IFS
11 to 14 in-lbs.
6 to 7 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
65 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
GM 7.5" / 7.625" (2-Cut)
12 to 15 in-lbs.
6 to 7 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
65 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
GM 7.5" / 7.625" (5-Cut)
12 to 15 in-lbs.
6 to 7 in-lbs.
.003" to .006"
65 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
GM 7.6" IRS
12 to 15 in-lbs.
6 to 7 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
65 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
GM 7.75"
12 to 15 in-lbs.
6 to 7 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
65 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
GM 8.0"
12 to 15 in-lbs.
6 to 7 in-lbs.
.003" to .006"
65 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
GM 8.2"
12 to 15 in-lbs.
6 to 7 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
55 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
GM 8.2" BOP
12 to 15 in-lbs.
6 to 7 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
55 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
GM 8.25" IFS
14 to 19 in-lbs.
6 to 8 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
65 ft-lbs.
55 ft-lbs.
GM 8.5" / 8.6" (2-Cut)
14 to 19 in-lbs.
6 to 8 in-lbs.
.003" to .006"
65 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
GM 8.5" / 8.6" (5-Cut)
14 to 19 in-lbs.
6 to 8 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
65 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
GM 8.6" IRS (2-Cut)
14 to 19 in-lbs.
6 to 8 in-lbs.
.003" to .006"
65 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
GM 8.875 12 Bolt (P)
14 to 19 in-lbs.
6 to 8 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
55 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
GM 8.875 12 Bolt (T)
13 to 15 in-lbs.
6 to 7 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
55 ft-lbs.
60 ft-lbs.
GM 9.25" IFS
15 to 22 in-lbs.
7 to 9 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
75 ft-lbs.
80 ft-lbs.
GM 9.5"
15 to 22 in-lbs.
7 to 9 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
75 ft-lbs.
80 ft-lbs.
GM 10.5" 14 Bolt
20 to 35 in-lbs.
8 to 11 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
120 ft-lbs.
135 ft-lbs.
GM 11.5"
20 to 30 in-lbs.
8 to 11 in-lbs.
.005" to .007"
175 ft-lbs.
200 ft-lbs.



Suzuki Axles - Gear Setup Torque and Backlash Specs:


Pinion Preload
(New)
Pinion Preload
(Reused)
Ring Gear
Backlash
Ring Gear
Bolt Torque
Carrier Bearing
Cap Bolts

Suzuki Samurai
12 to 15 in-lbs.
5 to 6 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
70 ft-lbs.
70 ft-lbs.



Toyota Axles - Gear Setup Torque and Backlash Specs:


Pinion Preload
(New)
Pinion Preload
(Reused)
Ring Gear
Backlash
Ring Gear
Bolt Torque
Carrier Bearing
Cap Bolts

Toyota 7.5"
12 to 15 in-lbs.
5 to 6 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
70 ft-lbs.
70 ft-lbs.
Toyota 8"
12 to 15 in-lbs.
5 to 6 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
70 ft-lbs.
70 ft-lbs.
Toyota 8" Clamshell
9 to 14 in-lbs.
5 to 6 in-lbs.
.004" to .008"
70 ft-lbs.
70 ft-lbs.
Toyota TV6
14 to 17 in-lbs.
5 to 6 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
70 ft-lbs.
70 ft-lbs.
Toyota T100
14 to 17 in-lbs.
5 to 6 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
70 ft-lbs.
70 ft-lbs.
Toyota Tacoma
14 to 17 in-lbs.
5 to 6 in-lbs.
.006" to .010"
70 ft-lbs.
70 ft-lbs.
Land Cruiser 9.5"
8 to 11 in-lbs.
5 to 6 in-lbs.
.006" to .008"
85 ft-lbs.
80 ft-lbs.




This ring and pinion setup guide is ©Copyright Crawlpedia.com - Please provide a link back to this page when copying.
Data is accurate to the best of our knowledge and is offered as-is with no guarantee.




More Gear and Axle Guides:

Differential Locker Comparison - A detailed comparison of popular differentials and lockers.
Ring and Pinion Gear Tooth Patterns - Gear tooth pattern setup and adjustement instructions.
Gear Ratio Finder - Find the ideal axle gear ratio for your new larger or smaller tires.
Gear Ratio Calculator - Calculate the gear ratio of gears based on their tooth count.
Ring and Pinion Ratio Variations - An explanation of why some ring and pinion gear ratios vary.
Thick Gears and Carrier Breaks - Thick ring and pinion gears and differential carrier breaks explained.