Ratech Differential Pinion Shim
Ratech Differential Pinion Shims: Precision Where It Counts
When it comes to setting pinion depth during a differential rebuild, the quality of your shims is not a detail you can afford to overlook. Ratech has built its reputation as a specialist in exactly this kind of critical small part — and their differential pinion shims stand as a prime example of why the brand is trusted by performance builders and professional mechanics alike.
Why Ratech Pinion Shims Are Different
Ratech is direct about what separates their shims from generic alternatives on the market. Not all shim packs are created equal. Ratech manufactures all of their shims in-house on their own machinery, using the finest American-made hardened shim stock available — not soft sheet metal gauges. This distinction matters enormously in practice: shim stock comes in .002-inch increments, whereas sheet metal is soft and gauges are inconsistent, with many gaps in thickness and .0005 sizes. The thickness range of Ratech shim packs is also much broader , giving builders the fine-tuning capability needed for a precise and lasting gear set installation.
USA-Made Quality with a Performance Pedigree
The performance experts at Ratech design and manufacture small parts for automotive and light truck axles — and they use these parts on their own cars and trucks, because they know first-hand you can't find better axle components anywhere else. Ratech parts are made in the U.S.A. with the highest quality components and are engineered to deliver superior performance. Ratech has been a prominent figure in the automotive industry since the early 1980s, quickly establishing itself as a go-to supplier for high-quality differential products through a relentless focus on precision engineering.
Broad Application Coverage
Ratech's pinion shim lineup is designed to cover a wide range of popular axle platforms. Their flagship RAT-1100 Pinion Shim Set covers applications including Corvette, Dana, Ford, GM, Mopar, and Viper axles , making it a versatile choice for shops and enthusiasts working across multiple vehicle platforms. Ratech also offers pinion shims sold separately for builders who need to supplement an existing kit — and each pack supplies enough shims for one rear-end. Whether you are rebuilding a GM 8.5" 10-bolt, a Ford 7.5" or 8.8", or another popular axle housing, Ratech provides the shim thickness variety required to dial in your pinion depth with confidence.
The Right Foundation for a Proper Gear Install
Pinion shims sit between the pinion bearing and the axle housing to control the pinion's distance from the ring gear centerline. Getting this measurement wrong leads to premature gear wear, excessive noise, and ultimately, differential failure. Ratech's hardened shim stock holds its dimension under load — unlike softer alternatives that can compress or deform over time — ensuring that your carefully set pinion depth stays true mile after mile. For anyone serious about a correct differential build, Ratech pinion shims are a foundational component worth getting right from the start.