Side Bearing Preload Adjustment

Side bearing preload adjustments must be made before installing the pinion. Measure production shims and spacers one at a time and add their values together to determine the thickness of the shim pack. Do not reuse production shim packs.

1. Lubricate axle bearings and support case so it does not fall into housing. Place case with bearing cups installed into axle housing.
2. Install tool No. J 22779, or equivalent, between axle housing and left bearing cup.
3. Move tool back and forth in bore while turning adjustment nut until a noticeable drag develops. Tighten lock bolt on side of tool and leave in place.
4. Install service spacer and shim between axle housing and right bearing cup.
5. Insert progressively larger feeler gauge sizes between housing and service shim until slight drag is felt. This is zero setting with no preload.
6. Remove tool No. J 22779, or equivalent, shim, spacer, feeler gauge and differential case from housing.
7. Measure tool No. J 22779, or equivalent, in three different places and average the readings.
8. Add the dimensions of each shim pack (shim and service spacer including feeler gauge) and add .004 inch to each shim pack for proper side bearing preload.
9. For initial backlash, move the ring gear away from pinion by subtracting .010 inches from ring gear side shim pack and adding .010 inches to the opposite side.
10. Install differential and adjust backlash.