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Backlash & Final Assembly

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  1. Determine the differential side bearing preload and initial backlash. See SIDE BEARING PRELOAD  . See DRIVE PINION DEPTH  . Install Guide Pins (J-25025) and Dial Indicator (J-8001) to the axle housing. See Fig 1 .
    Fig 1: Adjusting Ring Gear Backlash
    G00173841Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  2. Place the indicator stem of the dial indicator at the heel end of a gear tooth. Set the dial indicator so that the stem is aligned with the gear rotation and perpendicular to the tooth angle. While holding the pinion stationary, move the ring gear back and forth. Measure and record the backlash. Repeat the measuring procedure at eight points around the ring gear. The difference between the backlash at all of the measuring points should not vary by more than 0.002" (0.05 mm).
  3. If the difference between the backlash at all of the measuring points varies by more than 0.002" (0.05 mm), inspect ring gear for burrs, a distorted case flange or uneven tightening of mounting bolts. Repair as necessary. If the difference between all the measuring points is 0.002" (0.05 mm) or less, go to next step.
  4. The backlash at the minimum lash point measured between the ring gear and the drive pinion should be between 0.003-0.010" (0.08-0.25 mm) with a preferred backlash of 0.005-0.008" (0.13-0.20 mm). If adjustment is necessary, adjust the thickness of the shim pack on each side of the differential in equal amounts. This will maintain the correct axle side bearing preload.
  5. If the backlash is not within specifications, adjust the backlash. Remove the differential side bearings. See OVERHAUL  .
    6. NOTE: Moving 0.002" (0.05 mm) of shim thickness from one side of the differential to the other will change the backlash adjustment by 0.001" (0.03 mm).
  6. If the backlash is too small, increase the backlash. Remove the appropriate amount of thickness from the left side shim pack. For example, to increase the backlash by 0.004" (0.10 mm), subtract 0.008" (0.20 mm) of thickness from the left side shim pack. Add the 0.008" (0.20 mm) of shim thickness to the right side shim pack.
  7. If the backlash is too large, decrease the backlash. Remove the appropriate amount of thickness from the right side shim pack. For example, to decrease the backlash by 0.004" (0.10 mm), subtract 0.008" (0.20 mm) of thickness from the right side shim pack. Add the 0.008" (0.20 mm) of shim thickness to the left side shim pack.
  8. Install the left and right shim packs onto the differential case. Install the differential side bearings. See OVERHAUL  . Recheck the backlash and adjust as necessary.
  9. Once backlash is correct, perform a gear tooth contact pattern check in order to ensure proper alignment between the ring and pinion gears. See RIVE AXLE - GEAR TOOTH CONTACT PATTERNS in GENERAL INFORMATION.
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