Jeep Cherokee 1988 Quick Start Manual page 8

2) Slowly tighten pinion nut until torque required to rotate
pinion gear is 15-25 INCH lbs. (2-3 N.m). Check torque frequently and
only tighten nut in small amounts.
CAUTION: DO NOT overtighten pinion nut. If preload torque is
exceeded, collapsible spacer must be replaced and preload
reset.
DIFFERENTIAL BEARING END PLAY
1) Place bearing cup over each differential bearing. Install
differential case assembly (without drive gear) in axle housing. On
standard drive axles, install a .142" (3.60 mm) shim on each side of
differential bearing cup and housing. On heavy duty drive axles,
install a .080" (2.03 mm) shim on each side of differential bearing
cup and housing.
2) Install bearing caps and tighten bolts finger tight. Mount
dial indicator to housing so indicator button touches ring gear face
of differential case. Prying between shims and housing, move assembly
to one side. Zero dial indicator, then pry assembly to opposite side.
Read and record indicator reading. DO NOT zero or read indicator while
prying.
3) Amount read on indicator is shim thickness which must be
added in order to arrive at a no preload or end play condition. Shims
are available in thicknesses of .142" (3.60 mm) to .174" (4.41 mm) in
.002" (.050 mm) increments.
4) When all side play is eliminated, check drive gear face of
case for runout. Runout should not exceed .002" (.050 mm). Remove case
from housing and retain shims used to eliminate side play. See Fig. 5.
Fig. 5: Differential Bearing End Play & Runout Measurement
RING GEAR BACKLASH ADJUSTMENT
1) Install differential and ring gear assembly in housing