[Modified187]

Okay long story short, i stripped the intermediate shaft and carrier out of the passanger side of the front diff.

I also have a driver side cv axle seal leaking, so i pulled the axle. Now is this normal for the front diff or are the bearings toast?https://m.facebook.com/groups/582389305208569?view=permalink&id=3363009323813206

 

[Modified187]

Anyone?!? I pulled the seal and the adjuster can move very easily, im guessing i can just reset the preload on the outer bearing if the inner seal has not moved?!

 

[lkurek]

the adjuster will rotate easiliy without the seal in. That being said....not only does the adjuster set preload on the side bearings, they are also used to adjust backlash on the gearset. BOTH are critical settings and unless you have the right tools to set both accurately, find someone who does.

 

[Modified187]

Backlash seems good, iv installer many ptos on highway trucks and the backlash seems to be around 10 thousands of an inch. I can tell just by touch. im going to try it ,before i rip the diff right out. Adjusting the diff is easy with a screw driver and a small hammer as long as you dont slip it and hit the threads.

 

[Modified187]

The little shortcut could go good or really bad lol

 

[Loudmouthss]

When I did this a week ago I zeroed the right side adjuster (as per the factory service manual) and tightened the left until I got the preload I wanted to see, torque to 55 ft lbs IRC. The right side, fully in will make the race line up virtually flush with the case on the inside. The left side race can be pushed out into the case a significant amount when zeroed out. Rechecked backlash and tossed it in. Good to go. I did all new bearings but reused my gears and pinion shim.

 

[lkurek]

Did you use a dial inch/lb torque wrench? A dial indicator to verify backlash after you got the proper backlash?

I've rebuilt two of these front pumpkins... And you would be amazed how much it moves around as you tighten the adjusters. Goes out of spec very easily unless you are tightening both sides evenly as you sneak up on preload

 

[Loudmouthss]

I used a inch lb. Dial tq wrench to verify the total preload once it was done. For the backlash I used a dial indicator on the yoke and then divided by 2 as per the factory manual. I came up with .005-.006. I reused the gears. At the end of it all the diff has a minor whine but it has 153000 miles on the gear set. I notice it but most people dont. I honestly haven't even verified if its actually coming from the front but It appears to be.