The Dodge Challenger Message Board

Hey all, I just replacled the pumpkin gasket on the 8 3/4 rear in my 73 challenger. Doing so i removed the drive shaft, slid the axels out ,removed the big nut from the back of the pinion that holds the yoke on. Then unbolted the assembly ,insallted the gasket and got as far as putting the big nut back onto the pinion which holds the yoke on. When I tighten this nut up the axles will not spin. If i loosen it they will spin but some times I might have to move the pinion around a little bit.The axles actually lock up, they will not spin when I tighten that nut down, I think the size was a 1 1/8. Was i not supposed the remove the yoke while removing the assembly? How can I cure my problem?Im not experienced at all on these rear ends. Thanks a lot in advance! Nick

That big nut has a preload. You were not supposed to remove it. It should have just been the small nuts around the pumpkin. Depending on the type of 8.75 axle you have it will either have behind the nut shims ('741' casting number on the side) or a crushable sleeve (the stronger '489' casting). If it is the crushable sleeve type you will need to fit a new one. Your workshop manual will tell you how to set the pre-load.