ok, I swapped the rear end gears however I need to know how to check the adjustment (gear lash)before I close it up. Any other info on this would be greatly appreciated.

To check lash: Hold pinion gear so it can't move, Set up your indicator on a ring gear tooth, You should get less than .005 free movement. .001-.002 is real good. Setting up gears is a little tricky and should be done only by someone with experience.
Jim

I agree w/Jim. New gears + improper pinion depth = premature gear wear. Buy a dial indicator to set it up. Can be done by an inexperienced person with proper tool..to be sure, do it right..

OK Banshee, what are you referring to as a dial indicator (my inexperience is showing) and how do you use it for the gears? These gears came as a matched pair off of my 69 parts car.

A dial indicator is a measuring tool. It can measure small distances by detecting small amounts of movement. Most of them look like a watch with a small arm extending. You can get one at the precision tool store. I think Sears even has them. You would want one that reads thousandths of an inch. Once you get one we can advise you how to use it. You can try someting else to see how close you are: See how thick of a feeler gage or shim stock you can get between the teeth.
Jim

You can get one from Jeg's or Summit for $99 with a pinion depth setting tool included.

John

I found my 67 shop manual very good for step by step set up when I did the re & re on mine. Has both words and pictures. Shows tools, tips and tricks as well as specs for clearances and torques.

Gerry

I'm pretty darn shure you are going to need a new crush sleeve when dialing in the backlash. The crush sleeve is what keeps the proper tension on the pinion nut so it remains tight.

I've been through this recently...you don't want to mess with it without the right tools...and knowledge.

Sometimes you don't have to replace the crusher spacer. A lot of the time, with the switch he described, you can set up the gears using the side-to-side spacers.
Jim

The crush sleeve is to set the preload on the pinion bearings, and the correct backlash for the gear set is usually scribed on the crown gear on aftermarket sets. The typical lash that I use is .008" and I check that at four equally spaced places around the gear. Get the right paste to check the contact pattern as well. The pinion depth is adjusted to get the right contact pattern. Break it in by running it with the rear end on jackstands for about 1/2 hour, shutting it off and checking it periodically to see if it gets hot, then treat it right for about 500 miles, just like an engine.