Tools for the Trade

From the weekend warriors to master builders, craftsmen worldwide know that no matter what you’re working on, it’s all about the tools. From Home Depot, to Lowes, to Harbor Freight, tools are readily available and at top demand.

For the mechanic, having the right tools mean the difference between getting the perfect, well-oiled, clean, perfectly done job, to running around trying to find something that works—most likely a screwdriver—just to get it off the lift.

But the difference between getting a job done and getting a job done right, is the proper tools. Using the tools made for that job helps to reduce time and effort, leaving more time to assure it’s the highest quality work.

It’s no different for drivetrain shops. There are specialized tools for those in the industry to complete a quality install, reducing time and effort and, most importantly, making room for that next car or truck to drive up revenue. From specialized bearing pullers, to simple shim drivers, make it easy on yourself by investing in the proper tools for when a vehicle pulls in with that elusive “vibration in the rear.”

Precise set-up requirements often test a technician’s ability to do a job right or restrict them from even doing the job at all.  That’s how specialized tools build a business. There are four critical steps that are required to ensure a strong, quiet and long-lasting build. A specialized inch pound torque wrench is required to set the pinion bearing preload, right after utilizing a high-quality pinion depth setting tool.  After that, specialized spanner tools or shim drivers allow you to dial in the backlash and carrier bearing preload. Over the years, while building thousands of differentials, Yukon Gear & Axle has perfected the necessary and specialized tools to set up even the most obscure differentials.

RANDYS Worldwide designs and engineer’s quality drivetrain tools under its Yukon Gear & Axle brand. In the beginning, starting out as a regional shop over 40 years ago, RANDYS engineered and designed specialized tools around what it takes to get the job done right.

Yukon has developed over 80 different tools that make differential and drivetrain assembly a cinch. Used by top shops around the country, here are some top sellers to consider:

See a video of some of those tools in action here.

1. YT P22 Yukon Bearing Tool Set (YT P22 with Clamshells) – The bearing puller is used to simplify bearing removal without a press. It removes carrier bearings and most pinion bearing without risk. Different clamshell sizes offer a clean, quick and simple way to remove a bearing quickly.

2. Yukon SHIM DRIVER SET (YT SD-01) – Works on Ford, GM, Chrysler and many other housings. A set of Shim drivers will become your best friend. These half-moon, heavy duty cradles are perfect for relinquishing the screwdriver, punch or pry bar to get it right the first time. No more chipping shims or hammering screwdrivers to set your shims.

3. Yukon Bearing race drivers – There are over 20 race drivers for different applications, all of which make your life easier. More importantly, the mechanic can accurately drive races and get a perfect alignment for the right fit. These drivers are built to take a hammering, which is exactly what it takes to properly set bearings. The tool keeps your races centered and straight and works much better than using a socket or even the bottom of your closest beer can.

4. Yukon Side Adjuster Tool (YT A06) – Without having the proper tool for side adjustment, it’s almost impossible to reach the recommended adjustor torque of 150+ foot pounds. Although this tool has a very single purpose, it’s exactly what’s needed to get it done right. No more stacked extensions and cobbled together drivers to get the perfect fit.

Yukon also builds bolt extractors kits, spanner tools, spindle boring cutters and more to outfit a shop that wants to do the work and do it well. Do you have all the tools need? We didn’t think so.