Ring Gearing Backlash

Install carrier assembly into housing using shims selected to remove end play. Tighten bearing cap bolts evenly to 57 ft. lbs. (77 N.m) for standard drive axle and 85 ft. lbs. (115 N.m) for heavy duty drive axle. Attach a dial indicator to housing so button of indicator contacts drive side of a tooth of ring gear, at a right angle to tooth. See Figure . Rock the ring gear and note the movement on the dial indicator.
Backlash should be .005-.009" (.13-.23 mm) with .008" (.20 mm) desired. To increase backlash, install thinner shim on ring gear side of case and a thicker shim on opposite side of case. To decrease backlash, reverse placement of shims. DO NOT change total shim thickness, alter position only.

After all adjustments have been made, check gear tooth pattern and adjust if necessary.

DRIVE AXLE LUBRICANTS & CAPACITIES

Application & Lubricant

Pts. (L)

7 9/16" 75W-90 Gear Oil ⁽¹⁾

⁽²⁾ 2.50 (1.2)

8 1/2" 75W-90 Gear Oil ⁽¹⁾

3.75 (1.8)

⁽¹⁾	On Trac-Lok, add container of Trac-Lok additive.

⁽²⁾	On 5000 lb. towing applications, use synthetic 80W-140 gear oil.