front pinion bearing

[sloppy2nds000]

i believe my buddy joeys 93 has an issue with the front pinion shaft bearing. it has a some side to side movement, enough to where its moving 1/8" side to side, but no in and out movement or extra lash in the gears. so my question is, is the pinion bearing behind the yolk or behind the pinion gear? and if it is behind the yolk can it be replaced without pulling the pinion shaft and diff all apart?
thanks in advance
-nick

[BILTIT]

There are two pinion bearings one on the yoke side and one on the diff side of the housing. If the bearing is moving that much it most likely is shot, which means the race will be aswell. You need to remove the internals of the diff to pull out the pinion in order to change the race for sure.

See here for the D60 bible:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/60_front/

[sloppy2nds000]

thanks biltit, that bible is handy. its been about 10 years since i was on pirate. that site has come a long way. so that bearing situation is as i suspected. i havent messed with a front d60 since 03. ive had too many things come and go in that time, remembering the inner workings of the d60 didnt fall too high on the brains priority list is see. gonna be a spring time project for sure. its too cold out here in northern michigan this year to play with this stuff.

[BILTIT]

Ya i hear you on the cold. I have a heated garage and i still don't want out go out there, it is after all -35C here.

[sloppy2nds000]

might try to pull the yolk and at least slap a new outter bearing and seal in just to keep it decent for the rest of the winter. if that is the problem. weve got heated spaces too but mine is my shop/barn. and i use it for my regular plow truck maintenance. id rather not be dragging snow slogged trucks in there, making a watery mess and what not. its miserable. its not as cold as it is up there in canada eh, but were hovering regularly around the single digits and teens here in the da lower mit. but the lake keeps it moist and that is the killer. his hubs are acting up too, needs some snap rings and spring action as well. kinda having a hard time finding parts for them locally. bout to check online.

[opiebennett]

Yup shot bearings. I'd take a hard look at the ring and pinion as well, might be time for a new set if the pinion has been loaded weird with the toasted bearings.