7 1/2", 7 5/8" & 8 1/2" Ring Gears
- Side bearing preload and backlash adjustment are adjusted by varying thickness of both left and right side bearing shims. Side bearings must be previously installed to differential case. Lubricate side bearings and install races.
- Place differential case assembly into position in housing. Position ring gear tightly against pinion so backlash is .000-.001" (0-.025 mm). Hold assembly in place by hand temporarily. Install Bearing Strap (J-22799-6 ) to left side bearing race.
- Install Side Bearing Backlash Gauge (J-22779 ) between left side bearing race and carrier housing. See Fig 1. While moving gauge up and down, tighten gauge adjusting nut until a slight drag is felt. Tighten lock bolt on side of gauge, and leave gauge in position.
- Install service adjustment spacer and shim between right bearing race and carrier housing. Determine bearing preload by inserting progressively larger feeler gauges between carrier and shim. The point just before feeler gauge drag begins is the correct feeler gauge thickness. This is the zero setting without preload.
- Remove gauge from left side. Using a micrometer, measure gauge in 3 places and average readings. Record measurements.
- Add together measurements of right side shim, spacer and feeler gauge. Subtract .010" (.25 mm) from ring gear (left) side measurement and add .010" (.25 mm) to opposite (right) side measurement. This allows for initial backlash adjustment.
- To obtain correct preload, add .004" (.10 mm) to both measurements. Total measurement is correct shim pack thickness for each side.
Example: Ring Gear Side (Left) Shim Pack
.250" (Gauging Tool Measurement)
-.010" (Backlash Adjustment)
+.004" (Bearing Preload)
=.244" (Ring Gear Side Shim Pack)
Example: Opposite Ring Gear Side (Right) Shim Pack
.265" (Combined Measurement Total)
+.010" (Backlash Adjustment)
+.004" (Bearing Preload)
=.279" (Opposite Ring Gear Side Shim Pack)
NOTE: If shim is not chamfered enough and scrapes spacer when it is installed, file or grind chamfer before installation. - Install ring gear side shim first. Wedge opposite side shim between bearing cup and spacer. Install shim so chamfered side is against spacer. It may be necessary to partially remove differential case to install right side shim. If necessary, carefully tap shim into place with a soft-faced hammer. Tighten bearing cap bolts to specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table. Check backlash. See BACKLASH & FINAL ASSEMBLY .