3rd member
Well I have to say, I done the same thing for years... But finally got me some tools and info and started doing it my self. The ford 9" is by far the easiest one to build!! I just dont install the pinion bearing and use a solid crush sleeve (the one with shims) and shim it up until there is very little drag. Then install the bearing. As far as pinion depth goes, you can use a cheap digital micrometer to set that. Just use shims between pinion support and 3rd member housing. 8 to 12 thou backlash (according to application) and your done. I will admit a ruined a few R & P's before I got the right stuff to work with. But the exspense was selecting a ratio only to find out it wasn't the right gear or change my engine setup and boom there you go, traveling back to the guy to get it setup again..... Although I have not tackeled the automatic transmission yet so you guys can me the lo-down on that!!!