Reassembly & Adjustments

When reassembling ring and pinion assembly, adjust pinion depth, bearing preload and backlash between ring and pinion. See DRIVE PINION DEPTH and DRIVE PINION BEARING PRELOAD .
If replacing only drive pinion and ring gear, and axle housing is being reused, compare pinion depth adjustment numbers etched into faces of old and new pinion heads. See Fig 1. Using PINION DEPTH SHIM ADJUSTMENT CHART, select correct shims for new pinion depth adjustment. SeeFigure.

Fig 1: Locating Pinion Gear Markings (Dana Models)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: To use PINION DEPTH SHIM ADJUSTMENT CHART, old pinion shaft shim pack dimensions must be accurately determined. If original shim pack dimension cannot be determined or if carrier housing is new, see DRIVE PINION DEPTH .
The pinion depth adjustment number is determined by manufacturer at time of assembly. Number represents distance that pinion shaft deviates from distance between back-face of pinion gear to center line of ring gear. See Fig 2 for specified distances.
Ring gear and pinion gear are supplied in matched sets only. Matching numbers are etched onto ring and pinion gears. If using NEW gear set, verify matching gear mating marks. See Fig 1.
Pinion Depth Gauge Set (205-S156) allows shim pack adjustments to be made without having to remove and replace differential bearings when setting up shim packs. See Fig 3.
Use gear tooth contact pattern as a verification of final pinion position for pinion gears. See GEAR TOOTH CONTACT PATTERNS article in GENERAL INFORMATION.

Fig 2: Identifying Drive Pinion-To-Ring Gear Position (Dana Differentials)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Fig 3: Identifying Pinion Depth Gauge Set (Dana Differentials)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.