Good Contact Pattern
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Mountaineer and 2005 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Pattern inspection allows the technician to detect gross errors in set up prior to complete assembly of the differential assembly. Pattern contact should be within the primary area of the ring gear tooth section. Avoid narrow or hard contact with the outer perimeter of the ring gear tooth. Pattern inspection should be on the drive side of the tooth. Correct assembly of the drive pattern will result in satisfactory coast performance.
NOTE:
If a gross pattern error is detected with the correct backlash, check the pinion shim selection.