Jeep 1987 Wrangler Workshop Manual page 901

STEERING AND FRONT AXLE
FRONT AXLE
Install the differential in the axle housing.
Install the differential bearing caps and tighten
the cap bolts securely but not to full specified
torque.
Hold the ring gear in contact with the pinion
gear. Then pry the differential bearing cups
toward the center of the case with a screwdriver.
Insert various thickness feeler gauges be-
tween each bearing cup and the axle housing
until ring gear backlash is 0.02 - 0.05 mm
(0.001 - 0.002 in).
NOTE: Feeler gauges must be installed at both
sides of the differential at the same time to
obtain an accurate measurement.
Assemble a bearing shim pack that will provide
desired backlash. Insert the shims between the
bearing cups and housing and check backlash
again. If OK, remove, tag and retain the shims
for assembly.
Remove the differential from the housing.
Add an additional 0.38 mm (0.015 in) thickness
shim to the differential bearing shim pack on the
drive tooth side of the ring gear. The additional
shim thickness will provide the necessary
preload on the differential bearings.
Remove the differential bearings.
Install the shim packs on the appropriate side of
the differential case and reinstall the differential
bearings. Use driver handle J 8092 and installer
J 22175A to install the bearings.
J Z Z l / D A
84847A
Mount spreader tool J 24385-01 and dial
indicator J 8001 on the axle housing. Spread the
housing no more than 0.25 mm (0.010 in).
CAUTION: Do not overspread the axle housing.
It could be damaged or distorted.
Remove the dial indicator when the housing has
been spread the specified amount.
Lubricate the differential bearings with axle
lubricant and install the bearing cups on the
bearings.
Install the differential in the housing. Use a
rawhide mallet to seat the differential and
bearings. Be sure that the ring and pinion gear
teeth mesh completely.
Remove the spreader tool from the housing.
Install the differential bearing caps. Position the
caps according to alignment marks made during
disassembly.
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G-131