Anyone who's installed gears -- Measuring backlash

[Skinny]

Assuming I can find a d*mn dial indicator by Monday, I'll be setting the backlash on my new 3.73s....

Simple question... how do you measure it? Every single set of instructions I've found say something like, "use a dial indicator to measure the backlash..." Well that doesn't help much! Any help here?

[Dominic]

Many home mechanics shy away from setting up a rearend, but the dial indicator is really the most exotic tool required for this job. Once the correct tooth contact pattern has been established, the indicator and base are essential for properly checking the backlash between the ring-and-pinion gears. To measure it, hold the pinion steady and rock the ring gear up and down while reading the needle. Follow the gearset manufacturers’ recommendations for proper backlash.
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/81298/

http://www.hampton.com/WG/backlash.htm

[Skinny]

Thanks.. that picture in the carcraft article helped ALOT!

[97rs]

how long does it take to install gears/lsd?

[Skinny]

Well I started on Saturday morning at 9am-ish. SHOULD have been done to go play that night... but NOOOOOO.... Nothing worked out in my favor that day... Now I have to wait until Monday for a machine shop to press on a new carrier bearing to replace the DENTED one that came on the SLP takeoff diff... of course this is something I should have looked at a week ago, so I guess it's kinda my fault.