Ring and Pinion Backlash Check
1. Assemble the differential bearing cups to the differential bearings. Install the differential into the rear axle differential carrier, using the Differential Housing Spreader and the Dial Indicator/Magnetic Base. Do not spread the rear axle housing more than 0.38 mm (0.015 inch).
NOTE: Use care to avoid nicking the teeth of the ring gear and the anti-lock speed sensor ring during assembly.
2. Use a rawhide hammer to seat the differential into the pocket of the rear axle differential carrier.
3. Remove the spreader from the rear axle differential carrier.
4. Install the (A) differential bearing retaining caps, aligning the (B) letters stamped on the bearing retaining caps with those on the rear axle differential carrier. Tighten the bolts of the rear axle bearing retaining caps to specification.
NOTE: Mating letters are stamped on the rear axle bearing retaining caps and rear axle differential carrier. Matching letters is important at the time of assembly. Letters are in vertical and horizontal positions.
5. Check the differential ring gear and pinion backlash at three equally spaced points, with suitable dial indicator.
- Backlash tolerance is 0.13-0.203 mm (0.005-0.008 inch) and cannot vary more than 0.05 mm (0.002 inch) between points checked.
- High backlash is corrected by moving ring gear away from the pinion.
- These corrections are made by switching differential bearing shims from one side of the differential case to the other.
6. To confirm total preload, recheck the torque to rotate with a pound-inch wrench. The reading should be higher than the initial reading (taken without the differential case installed, as described under Pinion Position Shim Selection) by the amount shown for the axle ratios given, if new bearings have been installed as recommended.
7. If the total preload is too high, remove an equal amount of differential bearing shims from each differential case hub. If the total preload is too low, add an equal amount of differential bearing shims to each differential case hub.
8. To verify the final pinion position, refer to Ring Gear and Pinion Tooth Pattern Interpretation.
9. For semi-float rear axles, remove the differential pinion shaft lock bolt and the differential pinion shaft. Install the axle shafts.
10. Install axle housing cover.
- Apply Silicone Rubber E7TZ-19562-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESL-M4G273-A to the surface of the axle housing cover.
CAUTION: Clean both flat surfaces (rear axle housing and axle housing cover) with a suitable solvent to remove all traces of oil film.
NOTE:
- The illustration shows the flat mounting surface axle housing cover on Dana design rear axles. This axle housing cover requires the use of silicone rubber sealer material, such as Silicone Rubber E7TZ-19562-A or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESL-M4G273-A, rather than a gasket.
- The axle housing cover face of the rear axle differential carrier and the flat surface of the axle housing cover must be free of any oil film or foreign material.
- Axle housing cover must be installed within 15 minutes of application of the silicone, or new sealant must be applied.
11. Assemble two axle housing cover bolts into the axle housing cover at 8 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions. Use these two holes to guide the axle housing cover into position on the rear axle differential carrier.
12. Install the remaining bolts. Tighten the bolts alternately and evenly. Tighten bolts to specification. Allow 1-hour cure time before filling the rear axle differential carrier with the proper amount of specified lubricant.
13. Install the axle shaft (full-floating axle).
14. Fill the rear axle housing with the specified amount of Premium Rear Axle Lubricant XY-80W90-QL or -KL or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSP-M2C197-A for Model 60,70 or 80.
NOTE:
- Check the rear axle tag for the synthetic lubrication requirement. If required, use High Performance Synthetic 75W-140. Rear Axle Lubricant F1TZ-19580-B or equivalent meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A.
- If the vehicle will be towing a trailer frequently, particularly in a hot or hilly area, it is recommended to use synthetic lubricant in the axle.