Jeep 1987 Wrangler Workshop Manual page 939

REAR AXLE
5 ^ STANDARD DIFFERENTIAL OVERHAUL
Install the differential assembly in the axle
housing.
Install
the
differential bearing
caps. Tighten the
bearing cap bolts to 77 N*m (57 ft-lbs) torque.
Remount dial indicator J 8001 on the axle
housing.
Position the indicator stylus against the drive
side of one of the ring gear teeth. Be sure the
stylus is at a right angle to the tooth.
Move the ring gear forward and zero the dial
indicator.
Move the ring gear rearward then forward and
note the dial indicator reading.
Correct backlash is between 0.13 and 0.23 mm
(0.005 and 0.009 in). However, the optimum
backlash
setting
is
0.20
mm
(0.008
in).
Record the dial indicator reading and remove
indicator set J 8001.
Remove the differential assembly from the axle
housing.
Remove the differential bearings and end play
shims. Do not intermix the shims. Tag them for
reference if necessary.
If backlash is within specified tolerance, pro-
ceed to Differential Bearing Preload
Adjustment.
If backlash is not within specified tolerance, ad-
just backlash as follows:
# To increase backlash, use a thinner shim
pack on the ring gear side of the case. To do
this, subtract the amount needed from the
ring gear shim pack. Then add the same
amount to the opposite shim pack.
# To decrease backlash, use a thicker shim
pack on the ring gear side of the case. To do
this, add the amount needed to the ring gear
shim pack. Then subtract the same amount
from the opposite shim pack.
N O T E :
The total (or combined) thickness of
both shim packs does not change. The amount
required for desired backlash is simply trans-
ferred from one side to the other as needed.
For example, if measured backlash is 0.28 mm
(0.011 in) and the optimum setting of 0.20 mm
(0.008 in) is desired, backlash must be de-
creased by 0.076 mm (0.003 in). To do this, add
0.076 mm (0.003 in) to the ring gear shim pack
and subtract the same amount from the oppo-
site shim pack.
Assemble the neccessary shim packs and pro-
ceed to Differential Bearing Preload Adjust-
ment. Do not install the bearings at this time.
H-25