Checking Backlash - Chevrolet 1991 Light Duty Truck Repair Manual

Figure 38—Installing the D ifferential Bearings
11. Place the proper shims on the differential side
bearing hub (opposite the ring gear) and drive the
differential bearing onto the hub using J 23690 and
J 8092 (figure 38).
12. Assemble J 24385-01 to the axle housing as
shown in figure 39.
13. Assemble the dial indicator as shown in figure 39.
Preset the gage at least 5mm (0.020-inch), and
then rotate the indicator housing to zero the dial.
NOTICE: Do not spread the differential carrier
more than 0.38mm (0.015-inch). Overspread­
ing the carrier can damage or distort the car­
rier.
14. Spread the carrier while examining the dial indica­
tor.
15. Remove the dial indicator.
16. Place the bearing cups (20) onto the bearings.
17. Install the differential assembly into the carrier.
• Use a rawhide hammer to seat the differential
assembly in the axle housing (figure 40).
9 3/4-INCH RING GEAR FRONT AXLE 4C2-13
Figure 40—Installing the D ifferential Case
18. Remove the spreader.
19. Install the bearing caps (18) in their original posi­
tions.
20. Install the bearing cap bolts (19).
Q
• Bearing cap bolts (19) to 115 N-m (85 ft. lbs.).
1. Mount a dial indicator with a magnetic base to the
axle housing as shown in figure 41.
2. Place the indicator tip at the heel end of the tooth.
3. Check the backlash at three equally spaced
points. The backlash should be 0.13 - 0.23mm
(0.005 - 0.009-inch). The measurement must not
vary more than 0.05mm (0.002-inch) between the
points checked.
4. High backlash is corrected by moving the ring
gear closer to the pinion.
5. Low backlash is corrected by moving the ring gear
away from the pinion.
Tighten

CHECKING BACKLASH