8.75" pinion deflection

[maddart]

Hi
I am not familiar with differential assembly. I have a 8.75" 742 case that i pulled the yoke off to install moroso u-joint girdles. While the pinion seal doesn't appear to be leaking should i replace it anyway?
I also noted that with the yoke removed there is approximately1/2" to 3/4" deflection of the pinion shaft. Is this normal?

 

[moparsteve636]

Put a new seal in it! Murphys' Law it's not leaking but it will, cheap insurance!that is normal movement.

 

[Coronet 500]

With the yoke removed the tapered bearing has nothing holding it against the race so it will flop around. If you take the bearing out be careful the pinion doesn't move back, if the ring moved it could chip a tooth, so do it off the tires on stands.