Contact Pattern Location

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Lincoln Mark LT and 2007 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

In general, desirable ring gear tooth patterns must have the following characteristics:

Drive pattern on the drive side ring gear well centered on the tooth.
Coast pattern on the coast side ring gear well centered on the tooth.
Clearance between the pattern and the top of the tooth.
No hard lines where the pressure is high.

Acceptable ring gear tooth patterns for all axles.

Fig 1: Identifying Acceptable Ring Gear Tooth Pattern

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Correct backlash with a thinner pinion position shim required.

Fig 2: Identifying Thinner Pinion Position Shim Required

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Correct backlash with a thicker pinion position shim required.

Fig 3: Identifying Thicker Pinion Position Shim Required

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Correct pinion position shim that requires a decrease in backlash.

Fig 4: Identifying Required Decrease In Backlash

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Correct pinion position shim that requires an increase in backlash.

Fig 5: Identifying Required Increase In Backlash

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.