Differential Assembly: Description and Operation

Fig. 1 Disassembled integral rear axle. 71-2 inch ring gear (63-4 axle similar):

This rear axle, Fig. 1 is an integral design hypoid with the center line of the pinion set below the center line of the ring gear. The semi-floating axle shafts are retained in the housing by ball bearings and bearing retainers at axle ends.

The differential is mounted on two opposed tapered roller bearings which are retained in the housing by removable caps. Differential bearing preload and drive gear backlash is adjusted by nuts located behind each differential bearing cup.

The drive pinion assembly is mounted on two opposed tapered roller bearings. Pinion bearing preload is adjusted by a collapsible spacer on the pinion shaft. Pinion and ring gear tooth contact is adjusted by shims between the rear bearing cone and pinion gear.