Alpha 1 U-Joint Drive Gear Assembly

[Beefer]

OK, I'm going nuts. I replaced my U-Joints, yoke, and u-joint shaft, and I was going to (finally) reassemble the upper last night. I went over the service manual (3A) again, and now I'm stressed/confused.

I was able to set the rolling torque on the bearing assembly to 5 in/lbs. about 2 weeks ago. Great shop in my area helped me with that one. Only problem is, I can't remember if I have the small spacer (h) or not. From what I'm reading, if I don't have the small spacer, I'm good to go, if I do have the small spacer, then I just need to torque the assembly down to 70-80 ft lbs., and not have to set the preload rolling torque. Is that correct? My understanding is that if the small spacer is present, then you set the torque on the locknut to 70-80ft/lbs, and not set a rolling torque.

Is there a way to know if I have the spacer (or not) without disassembling and starting over?

[natemoore]

OK, I'm going nuts. I replaced my U-Joints, yoke, and u-joint shaft, and I was going to (finally) reassemble the upper last night. I went over the service manual (3A) again, and now I'm stressed/confused.

I was able to set the rolling torque on the bearing assembly to 5 in/lbs. about 2 weeks ago. Great shop in my area helped me with that one. Only problem is, I can't remember if I have the small spacer (h) or not. From what I'm reading, if I don't have the small spacer, I'm good to go, if I do have the small spacer, then I just need to torque the assembly down to 70-80 ft lbs., and not have to set the preload rolling torque. Is that correct? My understanding is that if the small spacer is present, then you set the torque on the locknut to 70-80ft/lbs, and not set a rolling torque.

Is there a way to know if I have the spacer (or not) without disassembling and starting over?

I was so relieved when I read that I didn't have to set the rolling torque. Didn't want to buy an expensive tool I'd use probably once. Maybe there is a way to tell from the serial number? Wait for the Admiralty to chime in.

[Beefer]

Unfortunately, the serial number has worn off the sticker, and I don't know if the assembly is the original.

BTW, it's a 1984 Merc 488R, Alpha 1 Gen 1, 1.84 gears.

[Bt Doctur]

Short of sliding the bearings off the gear, I dont think so.
Never tried, but you could try tightening the nut. If the small spacer is not there the bearings will bind up.

[Beefer]

Short of sliding the bearings off the gear, I dont think so.
Never tried, but you could try tightening the nut. If the small spacer is not there the bearings will bind up.

If I tighten the nut, and it does bind, then I'd have to rebuild it, right? I think I'm just going to disassemble it, and start from scratch...

[ziggy]

ya gotta know weather that small spacer is there. only thing i can think of is a pic.



maybe it'll help ya remember.

[mercs4mark]

if its an 1984 then it should have the small spacer torque the nut down, but use a new nut!!!