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USA Standard Gear Articles and Blog

12 Tech Tips For Differential Assembly & Setup

12 Tech Tips For Differential Assembly & Setup

Posted by :  Evan | Posted on :  10-17-2022

This quick primer of tech tips is designed to be informational for less experienced installers and a refresher course for seasoned differential technicians. The focus is on time-saving tricks and advice when assembling and setting up a differential, concentrating on preparation, assembly, setting pinion depth, backlash, and more.   Anatomy Of A Gear Tooth   In...

Tales From The Tech Line: Keeping Gears Cool During Break-in

Tales From The Tech Line: Keeping Gears Cool During Break-in

Posted by :  Evan | Posted on :  08-26-2021

August 11, 2021 - 10:18 AM - Tech Question: I just installed your Yukon limited slip carrier and 3.42 ring and pinion in my GM 10 bolt. I’ve been breaking it in correctly. It’s been about 120 miles so far and it’s still hot to the touch. I can keep my hand on it for about a second or two. When will this thing start running cooler and when would you recommend my first oil change?...

Yukon Soap Box Derby Racer

Yukon Soap Box Derby Racer

Posted by :  Evan | Posted on :  08-02-2021

The Soap Box Derby is an all-American pastime with a storied past that stretches back to 1934. Aspiring racers compete in local derbies to qualify for the big race in Akron, Ohio. The road that led to the Yukon car can be traced back to 2007 and RANDYS Worldwide salesman Tate Hudson was the flashpoint.   “We have been a part of the Stanwood-Camano Soap Box Derby since 2007,” says...

How To Create & Read Ring Gear Patterns

How To Create & Read Ring Gear Patterns

Posted by :  Evan | Posted on :  07-28-2021

Gear tooth patterns are harbingers… they can foretell whether your ring and pinion gear set is going to live a long and prosperous life or if it’s doomed to an impending catastrophic failure. Pulling off a proper differential setup comes down to precise adjustments. Parameters like pinion depth, backlash, pinion-bearing preload, and carrier-bearing preload allow you to fine tune the...

Yukon Adventure Trek 2021

Yukon Adventure Trek 2021

Posted by :  Neal | Posted on :  07-12-2021

In January a conversation with John Herrick from CRAWL Magazine started us thinking about a multi-day trail run to build content the magazine. We weren’t sure where or when, but knew this could be fun. In February the idea spread in the pits at King of the Hammers, drivers were interested and we knew we needed to get out on the trails as COVID-19 continued to hinder many events. By March we...

Top 10 Axle Seal Installation Tips

Top 10 Axle Seal Installation Tips

Posted by :  Evan | Posted on :  06-30-2021

As with many automotive operations, the complexity of a task is not always representative of its importance. Take axle seal installation… a pretty straightforward affair but get it wrong and your diff is doomed. The seal will leak and ultimately lead to gear failure. To avoid this scenario, we have compiled 10 installation tips that will ensure you do the job right. There are many...

Choosing The Right Gear Ratio - Video

Choosing The Right Gear Ratio - Video

Posted by :  Evan | Posted on :  09-04-2024

There are three main reasons to re-gear your ride. The first is to recapture the lost drivability and fuel efficiency of a daily driven vehicle that has been upgraded with larger wheels and tires. The second is to fine-tune the performance characteristics of a vehicle that is a dedicated off-roader, tow rig, or drag racer where the focus is more on low-end grunt and acceleration. The third is...

How It Works: Gear Oil & Limited Slip Additives

How It Works: Gear Oil & Limited Slip Additives

Posted by :  Evan | Posted on :  07-20-2021

Gear oil keeps components such as the ring and pinion gear set, spider and side gears, limited slip differentials, axles, bearings, and the like lubricated and running smooth. Friction modifiers are additives that improve the performance and efficiency of clutch style limited slip differentials. Understanding how these vital products work is key to properly maintaining your driveline so it...

How It Works: The Pros and Cons of Spools & Mini Spools

How It Works: The Pros and Cons of Spools & Mini Spools

Posted by :  Evan | Posted on :  09-04-2024

Spools are all about getting full lockup on a budget… 100% lockup 100% of the time. There are two types of spools: full spools and mini spools. Each attains the same objective, ensuring both drive wheels on a given axle receive full torque and rotate at the same speed all the time. They create a solid axle.   The Spool Compromise   As with any drastic, all-in type of...

Chromoly: The Science Behind Yukon Performance Axles

Chromoly: The Science Behind Yukon Performance Axles

Posted by :  Evan | Posted on :  07-20-2021

Chromoly… the utterance of the word conjures images of superhero strength. The word is derived from chromium and molybdenum, the two main alloying elements of the metal. Chromium brings three major benefits to the table: innate hardness, improved pliability during the quenching process, and outstanding corrosion resistance. Molybdenum also serves to increase the alloy’s hardness. When it...