Clearance/Depth

Inspect the differential case and drive pinion before they are removed from the rear axle housing. These inspections can help find the cause of the concerns and determine the correction needed.
1. Wipe the lubricant from the internal working parts and visually inspect the parts for wear or damage. Check magnetic fill plug for heavy accumulation of metallic particles and clean thoroughly.

NOTE: Axle must be supported when differential cover and differential rear insulator are removed.

2. Rotate the gears to see if there is any roughness which would indicate worn or damaged bearings or gears.
3. Check the ring gear teeth for signs of scoring, abnormal wear, nicks or chips.
4. Set up Dial Indicator with Bracketry TOOL-4201-C or equivalent and check ring gear backlash and ring gear backface runout.
5. Proper differential ring gear and pinion clearance must be checked using the Pinion Depth Gauge Set T79P-4020-A, which shows correct drive pinion bearing adjustment shim required for acceptable running condition.