Where to buy a spanner wrench?

[Tyn Pow]

Looking for a place in Calgary that sells spanner wrenches to set gear backlash.   Tried dealerships and a few tools stores with no luck.

Need one for a C8.25 but I'd like one for a Ford 9" too.  Anybody source these, or did you just make your own?

Thanks

[tubby]

I've been down this route before Marty. I looked around and nada. I ended up making them as I needed.

[Waytec]

Try Snap-on and MAC ?

[hps4evr]

for the 8.25 we use what looks like a torsion bar to adjust backlash/preload. the hex end fits into the adjuster and sticks out the end of the housing for a socket and ratchet. its not an actual torsion bar but gives you an idea.

[Bnine]

36mm nut fits in the 8.25

For the 9" all you need is a hammer and punch.

BTW, 8.25's absolute suck to work on. If its a axle thats going to be around for a while, I suggest swapping out to something more practical.

[Tyn Pow]

Try Snap-on and MAC ?

Nope, don't want to spend any more than the bare minimum on the 8.25, and you can make other tools work for the 9"...but if I could find the right tool for the right price I'd just buy it.

for the 8.25 we use what looks like a torsion bar to adjust backlash/preload. the hex end fits into the adjuster and sticks out the end of the housing for a socket and ratchet. its not an actual torsion bar but gives you an idea.

I read about a tool like that, I guess I could make one easy enough.

BTW, 8.25's absolute suck to work on. If its a axle thats going to be around for a while, I suggest swapping out to something more practical.

Agreed, and it didn't take long to find out why.   A 9", which I think is one of the easiest axles to work on, is going in eventually....might have to make it immediately!

[JackstandJohnny]

ask trevor about his 8.25

Phil made a tool out of a 4' metal rod and an axle nut welded onto the end. worked well.

[Waytec]

Sorry to say but if you want to play mechanic you are going to have spend some money.

[Tyn Pow]

Sorry to say but if you want to play mechanic you are going to have spend some money.

Yeah thanks for the tip - I haven't spent a penny on 4x4's over the past few years

[Waytec]

nether have I 
20's, 50,s and 100,s 

[Bnine]

Agreed, and it didn't take long to find out why.   A 9", which I think is one of the easiest axles to work on, is going in eventually....might have to make it immediately!

Yes.

To make it easier you would buy some turnbuckle type couplers (long nuts) and weld them to some rods. The length will make it so they bottom in the carrier. If you use a single nut it falls through the spanner, forcing you to hold it just right.

Make 2, T handle the rods, and leave them shoved in there while working on the axle. It will make adjustment a LOT faster.

[hps4evr]

ive spent some time with a few 8.25's and 9.25's. 8.25's arent horrible once you've been through the process a few times, but i find the 9.25's way easier to deal with just for the fact the adjusters on the 9.25's are in the housing, not in the bearings caps like the 8.25. you have to follow the steps perfectly on the 8.25 to set it up right. it still takes me a few shots to nail the pattern and pre-load.
9" over-all is a better design.