Pinion Depth Variance
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Dodge Charger and 2010 Chrysler 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Ring gear and pinion are supplied as matched sets.
Compensation for pinion depth variance is achieved with select shims (3). The shims are sandwiched between the pinion head bearing cup (4) and axle housing.
If installing a new gear, note the depth variance number of the original and replacement pinion. Add or subtract this number from the original depth shim to compensate for the difference in the depth variances. The numbers represent deviation from the standard in thousandths of an inch. If the number is negative, add that value to the required thickness of the depth shims. If the number is positive, subtract that value from the thickness of the depth shim.