Pinion Depth Adjustment (10.5 Inch Axle)

1. Install the differential, if necessary. Refer to Differential Replacement (8.6 Inch, 9.5 Inch Axles)  or Differential Replacement (9.75 Inch Axle)  or Differential Replacement (10.5 Inch, 11.5 Inch Axle) .
IMPORTANT: Measure and record the thickness of the pinion gear bearing retainer shim before any service procedures are performed to the pinion gear bearing retainer assembly.
2. Install the original shim to the pinion bearing retainer. If the original shim is not available, install a 0.41 mm (0.016 in) shim to build pinion depth.
IMPORTANT: Do not apply sealant to the pinion gear bearing retainer at this time.
3. Install the pinion gear bearing retainer.
NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
4. Install the pinion gear bearing retainer bolts.

   Tighten:  Tighten the pinion gear bearing retainer bolts to 88 N.m (65 lb ft).

5. Adjust the backlash. Refer to Backlash Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle)  or Backlash Adjustment (9.75 Inch Axle) .
6. Perform a gear tooth pattern check on the pinion and the ring gear. Refer to Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Inspection .
7. If the gear tooth contact pattern indicates a high or a low flank contact pattern, adjust the pinion depth by doing the following:
   1. Remove the pinion gear bearing retainer bolts.
   2. Remove the pinion gear bearing retainer.
   3. Remove the shim.
      • If the gear tooth contact pattern shows a high flank contact pattern, install a shim one size larger.
      • If the gear tooth contact pattern shows a low flank contact pattern, install a shim one size smaller.
   4. Install the new shim to the pinion gear bearing retainer.
   5. Install pinion gear bearing retainer.
   6. Install pinion gear bearing retainer bolts.

      Tighten:  Tighten the pinion gear bearing retainer bolts to 88 N.m (65 lb ft).

   7. Inspect the gear tooth contact pattern of the pinion and the ring gear. Refer to Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Inspection .
   8. If the gear tooth pattern is still incorrect, adjust the shim thickness as necessary and recheck the gear tooth pattern of the pinion and the ring gear.
8. Inspect the backlash between the pinion and the ring gear and adjust, if necessary. Refer to Backlash Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle)  or Backlash Adjustment (9.75 Inch Axle) .

The pinion shims are available in the following sizes:

Shim Sizes

• 0.15 mm (0.006 in)
• 0.18 mm (0.007 in)
• 0.20 mm (0.008 in)
• 0.23 mm (0.009 in)
• 0.25 mm (0.010 in)
• 0.28 mm (0.011 in)
• 0.30 mm (0.012 in)
• 0.33 mm (0.013 in)
• 0.36 mm (0.014 in)
• 0.38 mm (0.015 in)
• 0.41 mm (0.016 in)
• 0.43 mm (0.017 in)
• 0.46 mm (0.018 in)
• 0.48 mm (0.019 in)
• 0.51 mm (0.020 in)
• 0.53 mm (0.021 in)
• 0.56 mm (0.022 in)
• 0.58 mm (0.023 in)
• 0.61 mm (0.024 in)