Hey all, I ordered an in/lb torque wrench to measure rotational torque when changing the rear pinion flange. The one that came measures 0-60 inlb, but is 1/4 inch drive and only about 11" long (a dinky little thing). I guess it is all I need, but will have to adapt up to the 1/2 drive that fits in the 35mm socket.

Do they make these as a 3/8 drive?

 

Yes, they do. I got mine at Auto Zone.

 

Do you think that using adapters (1/4 to 3/8 and then a 3/8 to 1/2) will throw off the reading?

 

No you'll be fine with an adapter.

 

...well, you know what, it probably will...but not enough that you need to worry about it. This is precisely how I have been measuring mine, 1/4"-3/8"-1/2" adapter...it works man

 

some people think that by adding on to a torque wrench will throw off the reading in theory the same amount of force is being applied however it is the range of motion that changes. if you were to have a long extension on it and you read X amount of torque you would still read the same amount without the extension. If you started at 12O'clock position and torqued to 50Ft.Lbs. and wound up at the 3o"clock position, adding on a longer extension mostlikely depending on the flex of the extension you will wind up at the 6 o'clock or higher number position with the same amount of torque.

 

The only thing that can throw your number off a little bit (and I do mean a little) is by using a swivly. You can loose torque in the u-joint. Also friction caused by your tools contacting other objects if in real tight places. Extenstion, adapters, etc should not impact your reading.