1/4 Drive torque wrench. (Differential Preload)

[Mr.Nutcase]

I am rebuilding the differential in transaxle (A131L) .
I need a 1/4 drive torque wrench to measure Preload

GearWrench (KD 85050)
http://www.tooltopia.com/gearwrench-85050.aspx
KD Tools (KD 2955)
http://www.tooltopia.com/kd-tools-2955.aspx
Which is a better choice?
Where is the best place to get the bearings, seals, gaskets/o-rings for the differential?
Does Transgo sell thse parts?
Do they sell good parts?

 

[griff99]

Re: 1/4 Drive torque wrench

Are you going to use it again? If not I'd get the cheaper one, the 2nd one will require less maintenance and won't have to be recalibrated. If you are going to spend the $$$ for the first one and are going to use it again there are other brands I'd look at, specifically PI or CDI. Just my $0.02.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

Re: 1/4 Drive torque wrench

Does any one know when it free shipping over 50 bucks?
Thanks......

 

[BlindViper]

Don't think ur going to have much luck using a click type torque for setting preload. The preload on my front axle pinion was like 27 inch pounds for a new bearing. The gearwrench(click type) starts at 30. The beam type isnt labeled so you might want to check that out.

edit google shows 0-60 in/lb for the kd tools one it would be the one I would buy if I was being cheap. Otherwise I would be looking for a 1/4 snapon torqometer

 

[scott37300]

There was a thread last week about this, I can't remember what the title was. You can't use a click type for preload. The second one will work good. Tooltopia's free shipping is over 100, it's only like 6 bucks or something for other orders.

I just ordered the gear wrench click type 1/4" torque wrench last week from them and I love it, but it won't work for pre loads.

 

[gibbon_guy]

You need this Snap-on TE12A or something like it.

 

[Steve_P]

I have the KD beam one, have used it a lot, it works fine, including for pinion brg preload.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Electronic, dial, or beam.......... cannot use a clicker to measure an unknown torque.

Charles

 

[t100]

You need this Snap-on TE12A or something like it.

I was taught to use torque meter as in your link, not torque wrench.

 

[marcusicp]

What torque ranges are typical for bearing preload in most automotive applications? I have been looking for a Snap-On torque meter for a while but I am unsure what range would best suit me.

 

[Valkyrie Rider]

I bought a good used Snap-On dial type wrench for about $60 on ebay a couple months ago. Measures 0-250 in/lbs.

 

[Buckgnarly]

What torque ranges are typical for bearing preload in most automotive applications? I have been looking for a Snap-On torque meter for a while but I am unsure what range would best suit me.

Ford 8.8 is about 15-25 IIRC depending on new or used bearings.

 

[t100]

What torque ranges are typical for bearing preload in most automotive applications? I have been looking for a Snap-On torque meter for a while but I am unsure what range would best suit me.

normal range is between 15-35 inch pound.

I've never used it on wheel bearings, only on pinion bearing preload when setting a diff. you want to see a constant drag when turning the pinion.

 

[gibbon_guy]

Old timers use the age gauge by the way ;-)

 

[Black89LX]

as mentioned, in order to measure a preload you will need to use a dial torque wrench

 

[Skyline]

You need this Snap-on TE12A or something like it.

This is really the best tool to use. Even better is if you find the version with the second hand that records the maximum torque. I think the model is TE12FUA (FU for follow up hand).

What I really don't get is why Snap-on does not make a 1/2 drive version of this Torque wrench (with a 0-50 in lb range). It's really not ideal to use 2 adapters to get to the 1/2" drive socket you need for the big pinion nut.

 

[Fedwrench]

you need a dial type toque wrench to measure rotational resistance.
It doesn't have to be snap on.
http://www.tooltopia.com/precision-instruments-d2f150hm.aspx

 

[mtnkrake]

How about this?

 

[Skyline]

you need a dial type toque wrench to measure rotational resistance.
It doesn't have to be snap on.
http://www.tooltopia.com/precision-instruments-d2f150hm.aspx

The problem with that one is that the range is too much. You're going to need to focus on under 30 in lbs, and that's below the accuracy standard for that wrench. Ideally you would want one that's 0-50 in lbs, not 0-150.

But I believe that Precision Instruments makes the torque wrenches for Snap-on. So sure...avoid the mark up.

 

[Skyline]

How about this?

While a beam type wrench CAN work, it's tough. With differential pre-load, you're measuring rotating resistance. A dial type with a follow up hand is absolutely the way to go.