Dodge ram truck 3500 1996 Service Manual page 177

B R DIFFERENTIAL AND DRIVELINE 3 - 111
ADJUSTMENTS
(Continued)
(6) Pry the differential case to one side and zero
the dial indicator pointer.
(7) Pry the differential case to the opposite side
and record indicator reading. Reading is additional
shim thickness needed for zero end play. For exam­
ple, i f reading was 0.008 in. (0.20 mm), an additional
0.004-in. (0.10 mm) thick shim will be needed at
each side zero end play.
(8) Install zero end-play shims on each side of
case.
The differential bearings must be preloaded
to compensate for heat and load during opera­
tion.
(9) Add an additional 0.004-in. (0.1 mm) to each
outboard shim/spacer for bearing preload.
(10) Remove differential from axle housing.
(11) Remove dummy bearings.
(12) Install new side bearing cones and cups.
(13) Install ring gear.
(14) Install differential and verify gear lash and
contact pattern.
(15) Proceed to Final Assembly paragraph in this
section.
GEAR BACKLASH AND CONTACT PATTERN
ANALYSIS
After installing new side bearings or ring and pin­
ion set adjusting the bearing perload and gear mash
backlash will be necessary.
(1) Rotate assembly several revolutions to seat
bearings. Measure backlash at three equally spaced
locations around the perimeter of the ring gear with
a dial indicator (Fig. 77).
Fig. 77 Ring Gear Backlash Measurement
The ring gear backlash must be within 0.12 -
0.20 mm (0.005 - 0.008 in.). It cannot vary more
than 0.05 mm (0.002 in.) between the points
checked.
I f backlash must be adjusted, spacers are available
in various thicknesses. Adjust the backlash - accord­
ingly (Fig. 78). Do not increase the total shim
pack thickness, excessive bearing preload and
damage will occur.
" FOR LESS BACKLASH — — *
J9302-28
Fig. 78 Backlash Shim Adjustment
The ring gear teeth contact patterns will show i f
the pinion gear depth shim(s) have the correct thick­
ness. It will also show i f the ring gear backlash has
been adjusted correctly. The backlash must be main­
tained within the specified limits until the correct
tooth contact patterns are obtained.
(2) Apply a thin coat of hydrated ferric oxide, or
equivalent, to the drive and coast side of the ring
gear teeth.
(3) Rotate the ring gear one complete revolution i n
both directions while a load is being applied. Insert a
pry bar between the differential housing and the case
flange. This will produce distinct contact patterns on
both the drive side and coast side of the ring gear
teeth.
(4) Note patterns in compound. Refer to (Fig. 79)
for interpretation of contact patterns and adjust
accordingly.