Differiential / Ring Gear lateral play
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 567
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From: Chicago Suburb
Differiential / Ring Gear lateral play Just pulled the inspection cover on my 12 Bolt. The Diff / Ring Gear mover lateraly a decent amount. Is this normal??? 
Funny thing was when I filled it up and took it for a spin is was noticably quieter, until I got it sideways on a right turn. When I shifted to 2nd she hooked and it started whining like usual. I wonder if the play has anything to do with it 
Funny thing was when I filled it up and took it for a spin is was noticably quieter, until I got it sideways on a right turn. When I shifted to 2nd she hooked and it started whining like usual. I wonder if the play has anything to do with it It should not have any side to side play at all. The bearings should be preloaded slightly. The backlash is measured by turning the ring gear and holding the pinion. That is done to measure the space between the ring gear and pinion. You should have to tap the carrier in with a hammer or mallet. It should go in with mild tapping, but not slide in and out woith your hands.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 567
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From: Chicago Suburb
Lateral play as in backlash, .008-.010 thousands is acceptable. If you have more you will take teeth off, or crack it.
Is this real bad, do I need new gears or just shims with the existing gears?
Try reshimming first. Add shims equally until there is no play and the case goes in easily, then adjust the shims for about .008" backlash. After that add an equal amount of shim to each side to get the case preloaded like I said earlier, try about .010 or so on each side to start. Then recheck your backlash and check the pattern.
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: 32639 Groesbeck HWY. Fraser MI 48026
Left to right means set up is to fault, not enough preload and you need to disassemble and check bearings and races just incase you have a race is gouged out.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 567
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From: Chicago Suburb
I started a new thread on this in the Midwest section. Does anyone know of any good differential shops in the Chicago West Suburbs? I will drive to North or South as well to get the gears set RIGHT. Also, anyone know what parts and labor will run?
Last edited by Dragula; Apr 3, 2005 at 09:24 AM.
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Originally Posted by Dragula
I mean side to side like mzoomora explained.
Is this real bad, do I need new gears or just shims with the existing gears?
Is this real bad, do I need new gears or just shims with the existing gears?
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