Rear Axle - 286RBI
REAR AXLE 286RBIDESCRIPTION
The Rear Beam-design Iron (RBI) axle housings consist of an iron center casting (differential housing) with axle shaft tubes extending from either side. The tubes are pressed into the differential housing and welded. The axles are full floating axle shafts, that are supported by the axle housing tubes. The full float axle shafts are retained by bolts attached to the hub.
The differential case for the standard differential is a one-piece design. Differential bearing preload and ring gear backlash are adjusted by the use of shims located between the differential bearing cones and case. Outboard protective spacers are located between the differential bearing cup and housing. Pinion bearing preload is set and maintained by the use of shims. Pinion height is controlled by a shim pack located under the inner pinion bearing cup. The differential cover provides a means for inspection and service.
Axles equipped with a Trac-Lok differential are optional. The differential contains two clutch packs, four pinion gears, and a one-piece pinion mate cross shaft to provide increased torque to the non-slipping wheel in addition to the standard differential components. A Trac-lok differential for the has a two-piece differential case.