Tracta Joints, how loose is too loose?

[ashyers]

Hi All,
Looking for some real world feedback here. The max. clearance spec is .007". I was wondering how critical this really is. The one we cracked open today was .003"-.004" over and had a nice polish to the surfaces, but no galling or signs of damage. Thanks.

Andy

[Cal_Gary]

I don't have that spec but am sure Charles at M-Series Rebuild probably does, if you'll send him a PM.
Gary

[ashyers]

May have found the answer to my question. It appears that in the early manual the max clearance was listed as .007", in the 1973 version it was listed as .015". I like the .015" .

[j mccormick]

With plenty of clean lube in there .015 wouldn't be noticeable or hurt anything.

j mccormick

[ashyers]

I was shocked to find I'll have to buy nearly 5# of Mobil 1 grease! I think that's more than I've used in the last decade!

We're going to pull the carrier out too, the old grease has migrated into the housing past the old LOOSE bushings and wanked out seals.

[PoW]

Don't use grease anywhere (Tracta joints, wheel bearings) that is not specifically compatible with the gear oil you will use.

i.e., old school 90W and moly bearing grease don't mix and will make a useless paste in your bearings as a bit of the oil will migrate there.

DDG

[ashyers]

I'm using Mobil 1 Synthetic grease (#2) and will likely use Mobil 1 synthetic GL. Hopefully they won't be mixing when we're done.

[PoW]

Hope won't do. In almost 50 years of driving/working on Dodge G741's and PW's, there is always gear oil in wheel bearings or front joints. Always.

New seals notwithstanding.

Check compatibility with lube suppliers.

The original 90W and long fiber grease were compatible, and not bad to use even today.

Dennis