Depth Gauge Check, DANA/SPICER FRONT AXLE

Fig. 8 Depth gauge tool selection, model 44 & 50 axles:

Fig. 9 Depth gauge tool selection, model 60 monobeam axles:

Fig. 10 Depth gauge tool selection, model 28 model axles:

1. Refer to Figs. 8, 9 and 10 for correct tool for particular axle assemblies. If any of the gauge surfaces become nicked, the high spots must be removed with a medium India oilstone to ensure no erroneous readings.
2. On except model 60 monobeam type axle, proceed as follows:
a. Install inner and outer pinion cups using suitable tools. Place a new rear pinion bearing over the proper aligning adapter and insert into pinion bearing retainer assembly. Place front pinion bearing into the bearing cup in the carrier and assemble the handle onto the screw. Hand tighten. Note the 3/8 inch square drive in the handle to be used for obtaining the proper pinion bearing preload.
b. Center the proper gauge tube into the differential bearing bore. Install bearing caps. To preload the bearings, tighten handle to 20---40 inch lbs.
c. Using a suitable feeler gauge tool or correct shims, select the thickest feeler shim that will enter between the gauge tube and gauge block. Insert feeler gauge or shims directly along the gauge block to ensure a correct reading. The feeler gauge fit between the gauge tube and the gauge block should be a slight drag-type feeling.
d. After the correct shims or feeler gauge feel is obtained, check reading and this is the thickness of shims required, providing that upon inspection of the service pinion gear, there are no markings. If the service pinion gear is marked with a plus (+) reading, this amount must be subtracted from the thickness dimension obtained previously.
e. If the service pinion gear is marked with a minus ( - ) reading, this amount must be added to the thickness dimension obtained previously.
f. Measure shims to verify the shim size. Place oil slinger, if equipped, onto pinion and press on the bearing. If a baffle and/or slinger is used, replace with a new one upon assembly and measure as part as the shim stack.
g. Continue to build the remaining components with proper pinion and differential bearing preload torques and ring gear backlash.
3. On model 60 monobeam type axles proceed as follows:
a. Place a new inner pinion bearing over the proper aligning adapter and insert into pinion bearing retainer assembly. Place outer pinion bearing (new or used, if in satisfactory condition) into bearing cup and assemble tool handle onto the screw. Hand tighten assembly. Note the 3/8 inch square drive in the tool handle to be used for obtaining the proper pinion bearing preload. Torque to a 20-40 inch lb. preload.
b. Center proper gauge tube into the differential bearing bore. Install bearing caps and torque to 80-90 ft. lbs.
c. Using a feeler gauge tool or shims, select the thickest feeler gauge or shim that will enter between the gauge tube and block assembly. Insert the feeler gauge directly along the gauge block to ensure a correct reading. The feeler gauge should have a slight drag-type feel. Ensure shims or feeler gauge are free from dirt to ensure a correct reading.
d. After the correct feeler gauge feel has been obtained, check the reading. Reading obtained indicates the thickness of shims required providing that, upon inspection of the service pinion gear, there are no markings. If the service pinion gear is marked with a (+) plus reading, this amount must be subtracted from the thickness dimension obtained in step c.
e. If the service pinion gear is marked with a (-) minus reading, this amount must be added to the thickness dimension obtained in step c. In addition, you must use the exact same new inner pinion bearing that was used in the previous steps.
f. Remove inner pinion bearing cup and install the correct thickness of shims in the carrier bore. Install the bearing cup and oil slinger, if equipped, onto pinion and press on the bearing assembly with tool T53T-4621-C or equivalent. If a baffle or oil slinger is used, replace with a new one upon assembly and measure as part of the shim stack.
g. After following these procedures, continue to assemble the remaining components with proper pinion and differential bearing preload torques and ring gear backlash.