Assembly and Installation

1. Install replacement ring gear (if removed). Apply suitable locking compound to new bolts and torque to 70-85 ft lb.
2. Apply suitable axle lubricant to differential bearing bores.
3. Place differential bearing cups on bearings, then set differential assembly in axle housing. If ring gear and pinion gear have punch marks, assemble ring gear in carrier so marked tooth on pinion is indexed between the marked teeth of ring gear.

Specifications And Tolerances:

4. Inspect and adjust backlash as follows:
a. Mount suitable dial indicator on axle housing cover flange, then measure ring gear backlash. If backlash is within specifications, proceed to step f. If backlash is not within specifications, proceed to step c. If backlash is zero, proceed to step b.
b. If backlash measured above is zero, add 0.020 inch (0.5 mm) to righthand side of case and subtract 0.020 inch (0.5 mm) from lefthand side of case, then inspect backlash again. If backlash now ranges within specifications, proceed to step d.

Backlash Adjustment:

c. If backlash is not within specifications, correct by increasing thickness of one shim and decreasing thickness on the other shim by the same amount.
d. Install shims and bearing caps. Torque bearing cap bolts to 70-85 ft lb, then rotate differential case assembly several turns in both directions.
e. Inspect backlash. If backlash is within specifications, proceed to step f. If not within specifications, repeat step c.
f. Increase both lefthand and righthand side shims by 0.006 inch to provide proper differential bearing preload. Ensure shims are fully seated and the case assembly turns freely.
g. Using suitable white marking compound applied to ring gear, inspect tooth mesh contacting pattern.

NOTE: Tooth mesh contacting pattern can be improved by installing the propeller shaft and axle assemblies and rotating both tires in the drive and coast direction.

h. Contacting pattern should be within the primary area of the ring gear tooth surface avoiding narrow contact with the outer perimeter of tooth. Inspect pattern on the drive (pull) side of the ring gear. If serious error is determined, inspect pinion shim selection.
5. Install axle housing cover, driveshaft and axle assemblies.
6. Fill rear axle assembly with axle lubricant. Remember to add friction modifier to Traction-Lok axles.