I am setting up an 8.5 with new richmond 3.73 gears and I could use some help in getting a proper gear pattern. I started with the original shim .036 and set the backlash at .008 as specified on the gear.

When I rotate the ring gear forward several passes I get a clear pattern forming on the coast side but no pattern on the drive side until I rotate the ring gear in the opposite direction. Then a pattern appears but it is hard to read and only on the inner 1/4 of the ring gear.

I have changed shims to move the pinion closer and futher away in about .003 incriments and the coast side will change but the drive side changes very little. Always set the BL at .008.

Any help would be appreciated.

Be patient, I can hear big gear head coming your way. :D You only get pattern on each side after running it in both directions, that I learned a few days ago. ;) Make sure you have correctly identifyed the drive and coast sides and be prepared to take some pics. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

That is correct, you must turn it in both directions to mark both sides of the teeth. Run the gears through the compound several times to wipe it off well so you can see it clearly. Send me some pictures and I'll try to help.