New Winters Rear End Turns Hard

[Masters2010]

I bought a new 4.86 rear end gear all new, slapped it together like I always do and it seems to turn hard when twisting on the drive shaft. Is this uncommon for a new rear end?

[fast_crew]

When you say slapped it together, did you assemble the rear or just put it in the car? I would pull the drive shaft and just turn the yoke to get a better feel. Use an inch pound torque wrench to see how much drag is actually there. Then look towards the back of a winters catalog for the spec, should be able to find it in there online catalog aswell if you don't have the paper version.