Differential Case and Ring Gear: Assembly
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford F550 Super Duty and 2004 Ford F450 Super Duty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Assemble the differential ring gear and, if removed, a new anti-lock speed sensor ring to the differential case.
- Align the tab on the sensor ring with the notch in the case flange.
- Bolt the differential ring gear to the case in three places, 120 degrees apart.
- Press the anti-lock speed sensor ring on the case flange.
- Install each rivet, using a suitable hydraulic or mechanical press and riveting fixture and applying the force specified.
- Press the differential side bearings on the differential case halves, and place the bearing cups on the bearings.
- On the conventional differential, install the gear assembly.
- Position the thrust washer and the differential side gear into the case half.
- Position the differential cross shaft with the pinion mates and the thrust washers into the case half.
- Position the differential side gear and thrust washer on the differential pinion mates.
- On the conventional differential, assemble the differential case halves.
- Using the special tool, carefully position the differential subassembly into the carrier.
- Install the differential bearing caps.
- Position the bearing cap onto the leg.
- Apply Threadlock 262 to the bolt threads, and install the bolts.
- Tighten the bolts enough to eliminate visible space between the bearing cap and leg. Do not tighten the bolts to the appropriate torque at this time.
CAUTION: The bolt threads must be clean. - Install the differential bearing adjusting rings.
- Tighten both adjusting rings until there is zero end play, and some backlash between the differential ring gear and pinion. Make sure the adjusting ring tooth aligns so that installation of the adjusting ring lock is possible.
- Set the backlash at zero.
- Loosen the adjusting ring on the tooth side of the differential ring gear one tooth, and tighten the opposite adjusting ring one tooth. Repeat this process until backlash is at zero.
NOTE: The adjusting ring tooth must always align so that installation of the adjusting ring lock is possible. - Set the backlash and the bearing preload to specifications.
- With a new matched set installed, set the backlash to the specification etched in the differential ring gear.
- With the original matched set installed, set the backlash to the specification recorded prior to disassembly.
- Tighten the adjusting ring on the tooth side of the differential ring gear until backlash is within specifications.
NOTE: The adjusting ring tooth must always align so that installation of the adjusting ring lock is possible. - Check the differential ring gear and pinion backlash in four equally spaced positions around the differential ring gear.
- The acceptable backlash tolerance is +/- 0.0508 mm (0.002 inch) from the backlash etched in the differential ring gear.
- If the backlash tolerance varies more than 0.080 mm (0.003 inch) between the four positions, remove the differential and determine the cause.
- Tighten the bolts.
- Check the differential ring gear and pinion backlash, as described in the previous step, after tightening the bolts.
- Install the adjusting ring locks.
- Install the rear anti-lock brake sensor.
- Install the carrier. Refer to DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER .
NOTE:
Proceed to the next step of this procedure if not installing a new anti-lock speed sensor ring.
CAUTION:
Compress the rivet before removing the bolts from the differential ring gear and case to prevent differential ring gear runout.
CAUTION:
Place the differential side bearing cups on the differential side bearings after pressing the bearings on the case. This will prevent bearing damage during the remaining assembly process.
NOTE:
Lightly lubricate all of the mating surfaces with clean axle lubricant. This will aid in assembly and provide initial lubrication.
CAUTION:
Align the match marks.
CAUTION:
Do not damage the differential ring gear and pinion.
CAUTION:
The bearing cups must seat on the differential side bearings.
CAUTION:
Align the match marks.
CAUTION:
Align the differential assembly within the bearing bores before applying preload or damage to the bearings will result.