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Home >> Ford >> 1996 >> Aerostar Van Window >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Drivelines & Axles >> Differentials & Drive Axles >> Drive Axle - 8.8" Ring Gear Differentials >> Overhaul >> Differential Assembly >> Differential Bearing Preload & Ring Gear Backlash

Differential Bearing Preload & Ring Gear Backlash

  1. With pinion depth set and pinion installed, place differential case and gear assembly with bearings and races into axle housing.
  2. Install a .265" (6.73 mm) shim on left (ring gear side) side of differential. Install left bearing cap and bolts. Tighten bolts finger tight. Select and install largest shim that will fit, with a slight drag, on pinion gear side (right side) of differential. Install right bearing cap and bolts and tighten all cap bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS  .
  3. Rotate gear assembly to ensure free operation. Check ring and pinion backlash. See Figure . If backlash is .008-.015" (.20-.38 mm), proceed to step 6). If backlash is zero, add .020" (.51 mm) to shim size on right side, and subtract .020" (.51 mm) from shim size on left side.
  4. If backlash is less than .008" (.20 mm) or more than .015" (.38 mm), increase or decrease shim size where necessary to correct reading. See Figure . See BACKLASH-TO-SHIM THICKNESS CONVERSION  .
  5. Retighten bearing cap bolts and rotate gear assembly several times. Recheck backlash and correct if necessary. Increase both left and right shim sizes .006" (.15 mm), and reinstall for correct preload.
  6. Ensure shims are seated and gear assembly turns freely. Using marking compound, check gear tooth contact pattern. See GEAR TOOTH CONTACT PATTERNS article in GENERAL INFORMATION.
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