Tooth Contact

Remove the pinion sleeve assembly. Refer to "DISASSEMBLY ".
Apply red lead to the drive gear.
CAUTION: Apply red lead to both the faces of 3 to 4 gears at 4 locations evenly spaced on the drive gear.

Fig 1: Applying Red Lead To Drive Gear
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Install the pinion sleeve shims and pinion sleeve assembly. Refer to "ASSEMBLY ".
Remove the plug on the upper side of the transfer case. When installing plug, apply sealant on screw part, and tighten it at the specified torque. Refer to "EXPLODED VIEW ".
Use Genuine Silicone RTV or equivalent. Refer to "RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL PRODUCTS AND SEALANTS ".
Rotate the companion flange back and forth several times, and check the drive pinion gear to drive gear tooth contact by viewing from the plug hole.

Fig 2: Rotating Companion Flange Back And Forth
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Fig 3: Tooth Contact Condition Reference Chart
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
If tooth contact is poorly adjusted, adjust pinion height (dimension X) in the following manner.

Fig 4: Adjusting Pinion Height

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

If the tooth contact is near the face (face contact), or near the heal (heel contact), thin the pinion sleeve shims to move the drive pinion closer to the drive gear.

Fig 5: Identifying Face Contact And Heel Contact Pattern
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
If the tooth contact is near the flank (flank contact), or near the toe (toe contact), thicken the pinion sleeve shims to move the drive pinion farther from the drive gear.

Fig 6: Identifying Flank Contact And Toe Contact Pattern

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.