Side Bearing Preload

For quiet and reliable final drive operation, the following adjustment must be made correctly.
A selection of carrier side bearing preload shims is required for successful completion of this procedure.
1. Ensure all parts are clean and bearings are well lubricated with light oil or Dexron II transmission fluid.
2. Place differential carrier, with side bearings and bearing races installed, into final drive housing.
3. Put side bearing spacer in place on ring gear end of carrier.
4. Using side bearing spacer drift tool No. KV38100600 or equivalent, place both of original carrier side bearing preload shims on carrier end, opposite of ring gear.
5. Install side bearing caps in correct locations and torque bearing cap retaining bolts to 65-72 ft. lbs.
6. Turn carrier several times to seat bearings.
7. Measure turning torque of carrier at ring gear retaining bolts with spring gauge tool No. J-8129 or equivalent. Correct pulling force at ring gear bolt is 7.7-8.8 ft. lbs.
8. If carrier turning torque is not within specifications, increase or decrease total thickness of side bearing adjusting washers until turning torque is correct. If turning torque is less than specified range, install washers of greater thickness; if turning torque is greater than specified, install thinner washers.
9. Record total amount of washer thickness required for correct carrier side bearing preload.
10. Remove carrier from final drive housing, saving selected preload washers for later use during assembly of final drive unit.