All Except Cherokee 8 1/4" Ring Gear

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 Cherokee, Comanche and Wrangler axles, or 80 ft. lbs. (110 N.m) for Grand Wagoneer axles.
Attach a dial indicator to housing so button of indicator contacts drive side of ring gear tooth. Rock ring gear, and note backlash. See Fig 1 .

Fig 1: Checking Ring Gear Backlash
Courtesy of CHRYSLER MOTORS.
Backlash should be .005-.009" (.13-.23 mm). 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 this step. DO NOT change total shim thickness.
After all adjustments, check gear tooth pattern, and adjust if necessary. See GEAR TOOTH CONTACT PATTERNS article.