Hello all! New member here with a quick question. I recently bought a 2000 Blazer 4wd that had the rear differential blown apart in it due to some idiot letting all the gear oil leak out through the axle seal (an easily preventable problem which should have been obvious by all the oil leaking out of the inside drum on the rotor). I have just replaced the entire rear axle assembly and am going to change the pinion seal. The flange on the replacement assembly is in pretty rough shape. My question is this: If I remove / replace the flange with the one that was on the original assembly, will my preload torque readings (aside from the +5 in/lbs for the new seal) and thread count on the pinion change? Also, are there any concerns about orientation of the replacement flange other than orienting it as close as possible to the same position as the one I am removing?. If so, any recommendations? Thanks in advance.

Best Regards,
Roger / counting-coup

 

All you have to worry about is the preload. Count threads, also grab a can of white out. mark a line across the nut, and stud. that way that can help as well. Good luck!

 

Thanks for the prompt reply. That is kind of what I thought and certainly was hoping but didn't want to take any chances. Thanks again for the confirmation!