extreme 4x4 differential install

[gestalt1]

hi, i was just watching extreme 4x4 and they did a differential install that was quite interesting. what they did was remove the old diff and to install the new diff they:
1. removed the pinion gear
2. ground out the inside races of the old carrier berings to make it easy to take apart repeatedly
3. placed the diff in the case and measured the side to side play to get thew total amount of shims needed.
4.re- installed the pinion with new bearing
5. placed the diff back in the housing and measured the side to side play between the the ring and pinion so you know how many shims of the total needed to place on each side of the diff.
6. put the shims on with the old bearings, install and check the mesh pattern and backlash - move shims from side to side until proper backlash is acheived.
7. do final assembly with new bearings.

i realize that a solid dana type axle is far easier to work with than a porsche trans but i though grinding out the old bearings for easier shim checking was really smart. also checking total side to side play without the pinion gear in makes good sense. thought this might help.
-matt

[1982911SCTarga]

I watch those Spike TV shows and it's interesting the little things you can learn regarding techniques.

Wouldn't it be cool if they had a show focusing on 911 hot-rodding, restoration, maintenance, etc.? Pelican Parts could be the sponsor.

Brian

[fastpat]

I'd watch a show like that.