setting pre-load on carrier bearings for '42 Buick

[Freoway]

Hi.  I'll admit to being no diff specialist up front.  I've got a '42 Buick fastback sedan in which I replaced bearings and seals.  I removed the diff assembly and refitted it, but am now unsure about how to torque up the carrier bearings on the inner axle ends.  And of course the workshop manual says there are special tools for doing the job which noone has.  The diff appeared in good shape, with minimal backlash and no discernable whines, wear, etc.  Is there a simple way to torque up the notched carrier adjuster without special tools?  

 

Cheers, Lloyd

[DonMicheletti]

The '38 Buick (which is the same rear end) manual says to bring the bearings up and them tighten an additional 2 notches on the adjusting ring, 1 notch on each side

[Freoway]

Thanks Don.  My manual said the same.  It's just hard to work out the point where I should count the 2 1/2 notches.  The manual says from the "free position", but that's very hard to determine.  Any clues?  

[DonMicheletti]

Comes with experience and "feel".  As you adjust the ring. you'll feel it begin to get solid and offer resistance. Count from there.

[Freoway]

Thanks Don.  Never got into the safe cracking business, but I'll blow on my fingers and give them a tweak.  There's hopefully some sensitivity left in my fingers.