On my 01 the rear pinion seal was leaking pretty bad. I removed the cover and it's obvious it's been opened up previously. I went to mark the pinion nut before removing it and it was loose. The pinion shaft was flopping around (which is likely what wrecked the seal.) I pulled the old seal out and it's clear that's been replaced previously. The bearings look good yet so I'd like to put the rear end back together. I plan on finding another 9.25 with limited slip and swapping the whole assembly eventually.

I looked in the service Manual and it calls for 210ftlbs torque (minimum) on the pinion nut but I've seen 15-20 in lbs rotating torque also. I've got the wheels and drums off but axels still installed.

What should I bring that pinion nut to?

 

210 ft/lbs. The 15-20 inch pounds rotational torque is what it should take to turn the pinion, with the rear off the ground. (not tightening the nut.)

 

Alright, well I tightened the nut slowly continuously checking rotational torque until I achieved 20in lbs.

That being said; it appears the nut was previously loose for quite some time and the bearings and gears have some damage. I'm trying to find a replacement rear end to swap out since I have to continue driving my truck for now. I'd like to find a replacement unit with a limited slip carrier since mine is open and it sucks.

 

If you have to replace it anyway, might just as well upgrade while you are at it.

 

I found another 9.25 with 3.55s and limited slip. I'm planning on swapping that in and eventually adding helper springs in the rear. 2500 coils in the front and likely a 2-2.5" spacer in front. Then I'll level out the rear with an add a leaf and spacer block.

 

Do the 2500 coils, OR the spacer, not both. You will push the suspension beyond where it really wants to be, and things will get wonky. (yes, that's a technical term) Max 3"s of lift without doing control arms and such.

 

Thanks, I'm thinking I'll save some cash up and go for the rough country 3" lift with springs in front and comes with control arms. That way I can add a leaf or 2 later on and spacer to level it. Should work right?

 

Do not combine spacers with lift springs. Every single lift company will tell you that. (except for those kits that are actually engineered that way......)

How much lift do you want to end up with? Might consider just doing it once, and doing it right, and then never worrying about it again.