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Old 09-04-2022, 08:54 PM   #1
Joe KCMO
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Default Columbia Install Pinion Backlash Procedure

Having read the Columbia install instructions, every post I could find here on Fordbarn and completing the rebuild of my 1939 Columbia half rear axle begins the prep stage for me. I cannot determine the best or quickest or easiest way to adjust the pinion backlash.
Columbia install notes the torque tube can remain connected to banjo. The best procedure I have read involves rocking pinion and changing gasket until acceptable backlash . Columbia instructions appear to be quidelines not detailed instructions. Any and all comments or suggestions welcome. Thankyou!

Last edited by Joe KCMO; 09-04-2022 at 09:35 PM.
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Old 09-04-2022, 09:27 PM   #2
Ken/Alabama
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Default Re: Columbia Install Pinion Backlash Procedure

Same as the regular rear. Torque tube needs to be removed.
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Old 09-04-2022, 09:37 PM   #3
Joe KCMO
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Default Re: Columbia Install Pinion Backlash Procedure

Was hoping for an old timers trick, but out comes the tube. Thanks for the response!
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Old 09-05-2022, 06:23 AM   #4
glennpm
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Default Re: Columbia Install Pinion Backlash Procedure

Hi Joe!

These are the instructions I used setting up my Columbia. Author unknown but may have been Fred Steele.

Glenn
Attached Files
File Type: pdf Setup Columbia Using the Gaskets as Shims.pdf (3.07 MB, 53 views)
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Old 09-05-2022, 06:34 AM   #5
Terry,OH
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Default Re: Columbia Install Pinion Backlash Procedure

It is not very hard just a bit time consuming. I have used John Deats instructions, as Glenn has posted above, but then use the ford instructions as well, since they include a couple of more test.
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Old 09-05-2022, 07:04 AM   #6
glennpm
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Default Re: Columbia Install Pinion Backlash Procedure

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Instructions from John Deats makes sense. I bought parts and and modified spider gear and housing.

Can you post the Columbia/Ford instructions you mention?
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Old 09-05-2022, 09:18 AM   #7
Bored&Stroked
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Default Re: Columbia Install Pinion Backlash Procedure

Attached is a PDF that was captured by a standard axle rebuilt on the HAMB. It is long, but includes a lot of pictures, tooling/press work, etc.. Also, it goes into more depth on the type of contact patterns you should see between the R&P. There is more to think about than just backlash and preload.

Also, I've included a couple Winters QC setup documents - they go into some of the similar things you need to be thinking about (as setting up a QC includes a lot of the same basic stuff as a banjo - just more to think about).

I've added a picture of a fixture I made to hold a banjo center section on an engine stand - is handy for a lot of the work.

The Jalopy Journal Banjo Rebuild thread complete.pdf

Street Rod Tech Manual.pdf

IMG_7500.jpg

IMG_7503.jpg
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Old 09-05-2022, 09:30 AM   #8
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Default Re: Columbia Install Pinion Backlash Procedure

Thanks for posting these articles B&S
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Old 09-05-2022, 09:35 AM   #9
Terry,OH
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Default Re: Columbia Install Pinion Backlash Procedure

Check axle back lash and end play as described below.
Attached Files
File Type: pdf Rear axle assemply checks.pdf (636.9 KB, 33 views)
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Old 09-05-2022, 11:47 AM   #10
Joe KCMO
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Default Re: Columbia Install Pinion Backlash Procedure

Edited

Last edited by Joe KCMO; 09-05-2022 at 03:03 PM. Reason: Errors
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Old 09-05-2022, 11:54 AM   #11
glennpm
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Default Re: Columbia Install Pinion Backlash Procedure

Thanks Terry.
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Old 09-05-2022, 02:10 PM   #12
Joe KCMO
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Default Re: Columbia Install Pinion Backlash Procedure

Great information that I am currently and continue to read until all have been read, hoping to be understood. Thank you all as always . Had the car for 22 years time for an upgrade!
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Old 09-05-2022, 04:37 PM   #13
Cool Kat with Hot Car
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Default Re: Columbia Install Pinion Backlash Procedure

I have rebuilt 7 Columbias using Deat's method. The first one was done over thirty years ago and is still going strong. One thing I don't get in step 2 A&B is why assemble the carrier assembly with the axles, and in the case of a Columbia why assemble the guts for this step. It seems to me that the point is to determine the crush between the carrier bearings and the housings and the addition of the extra parts just increases the effort. Any thoughts by Columbia builders?
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Old 09-05-2022, 06:03 PM   #14
larrys40
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Default Re: Columbia Install Pinion Backlash Procedure

As Ken said you need to remove the torque tube. Get your carrier preload set first with the gasket thickness on both sides of the banjo housing and then work in pinion backlash. It is a time and bulky process but needs to be done properly. I’ve done hundreds of old ford rear axles and it is not brain surgery but there is a process and it needs to be done properly.
The Columbia side complicates it somewhat but still needs to be done.
Once you total gasket thickness is determined in the carriers you can shift it left or right with thinner gasket thickness to get your pinion backlash set.
John Connelly at Columbia two speed may have a written process on it for Columbias but it really doesn’t vary from a standard rear end.
Larry Shepard
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Old 09-05-2022, 06:06 PM   #15
Joe KCMO
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Default Re: Columbia Install Pinion Backlash Procedure

[QUOTE] I have rebuilt 7 Columbias using Deat's method. The first one was done over thirty years ago and is still going strong. One thing I don't get in step 2 A&B is why assemble the carrier assembly with the axles, and in the case of a Columbia why assemble the guts for this step. It seems to me that the point is to determine the crush between the carrier bearings and the housings and the addition of the extra parts just increases the effort. Any thoughts by Columbia builders?

Hypothetically, how would the gasket thicknesses be determined using which less parts. Do not the parts between the races get squeezed. Too much thinking this end. Comments from experience as Cool Cat suggested. I have an empty case.
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Old 09-05-2022, 06:17 PM   #16
larrys40
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Default Re: Columbia Install Pinion Backlash Procedure

Joe
Just easier to assemble once with axles in and then you know nothing changes. It’s really not that big a deal.
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Old 09-05-2022, 07:09 PM   #17
Bored&Stroked
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Default Re: Columbia Install Pinion Backlash Procedure

Also, you have to really pay attention if you're going to use a new reproduction R&P.

Sometimes the pinion needs to move forward or backward for proper mesh, sometimes the ring gear drags on the housing a bit, sometimes the backlash is hard to set, etc..

If you're never built a banjo rear with Henry's parts, then I suggest you work with somebody who has if you're installing a new R&P.
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Old 09-05-2022, 08:02 PM   #18
Ken/Alabama
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Default Re: Columbia Install Pinion Backlash Procedure

Don’t forget to replace the axle seals located inside the outer ends of the axle housings. Also remember to tape up the axle ends with electrical tape to prevent the sharp edges of the axle keyway from cutting the seal.
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Old 09-05-2022, 08:59 PM   #19
Joe KCMO
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Default Re: Columbia Install Pinion Backlash Procedure

Ken, electrical tape on ends, excellent!!!
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Old 09-06-2022, 02:24 PM   #20
Joe KCMO
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Default Re: Columbia Install Pinion Backlash Procedure

For those who have installed several banjo rear axles, is it easier to remove the entire rear and torque tube as a unit. Then disassemble rather then working under the car. Is it a lot more work but worth it, or a matter of preference.

Last edited by Joe KCMO; 09-07-2022 at 07:40 AM.
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