Front Dif

[Jeeper99]

A while back, I posted about the rotating slack/slop in my front driveshaft. It wasn't too noticable unless you took off pretty fast from a stop. Now, since I installed my 2" BB, you barely hit the gas from a stop and it makes the noise.

My question is,

How would one go about adjusting the ring and pinion to take the slop out? Also, how big of a task is this? I've never messed with anything like that before. :???: Any pointers and advice is very appreciated!!

 

[SteelHeadz]

181 FBI AXLE

Axle Type Hypoid LubricantSAE Thermally Stable 80W - 90 Lube Capacity1.2 L (2.5 pts.) Axle Ratio3.07, 3.55, 3.73, 4.10 Differential Side Gear Clearance0.12 - 0.20 mm (0.005 - 0.008 in.) Ring Gear Diameter18.09 cm (7.125 in.) Backlash0 - 0.15 mm (0.005 - 0.008 in.) Pinion Std. Depth92.1 mm (3.625 in.) Pinion Bearing Rotating Torque-Original Bearings1 - 2 N·m (10 - 20 in. lbs.) New Bearings1.5 - 4 N·m (15 - 35 in. lbs.)181 FBI AXLE

DESCRIPTIONTORQUE Fill Hole Plug34 N·m (25 ft. lbs.) Diff. Cover Bolt41 N·m (30 ft. lbs.) Bearing Cap Bolt61 N·m (45 ft. lbs.) Ring Gear Bolt95 - 122 N·m (70 - 90 ft. lbs.) Axle Nut237 N·m (175 ft. lbs.) Hub Brg. Bolt102 N·m (75 ft. lbs.) Lower Ball Stud108 N·m (80 ft. lbs.) Upper Ball Stud101 N·m (75 ft. lbs.)
NOTE: IF YOUR MEASUREMENTS FALLS WITHIN THE SPECIFICATIONS, THEN YOU SHOULD NOT MAKE ANY ADJUSTMENTS. OTHERWISE YOU MIGHT END UP WITH A GEAR NOISE OR A PREMATURE RING AND PINION GEAR FAILURE..

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Why are you using 4wd on dry surfaces?

Consider getting a dial indicator and measuring the backlash.

 

[Jeeper99]

Why are you using 4wd on dry surfaces?

Consider getting a dial indicator and measuring the backlash.

I'm not using 4 wheel drive on dry surfaces. The drive shaft seems to have quite a bit of play with the ring and pinion as it's spinning causing the shuttering noise when you go from a stop. My front driveshaft is always spinning if it's in 4 wheel drive or not. :???:

 

[Crazy4diesels]

Hey Jeeper99,

All of the play might not be in the ring and pinion. The first thing I'd check is the knuckle U-joints. Make sure they are not loose. You can use a small prybar to determine if they are still good. Or, you can carefully feel each cup-to-cross interface with a finger while you rock the driveshaft back and forth against the play. Once you are sure the knuckle U-joints are OK I'd remove the diff cover (time to change the oil anyway:lol and see what's going on in there. Usually the play will be a combination of everything that has worn (if this is a high milage vehicle). Check the spider gears for excessive play (they will always have a little - if there is a lot look for missing teeth). Check the cross pin to carrier interface for play (should be none) and check the spider gear to cross pin interface for play (should be very little). Check the side gear to carrier interface for play (the side gears are the "spider" gears that the axle shafts plug into - there should only be a little or no play). Unless you lost a bearing in there (which does happen now and then) you'll probably find the ring and pinion to have only a little play. Best of luck - John

 

[Jeeper99]

The knuckle joints were replaced this past fall because they were pretty wore out. Also had the diff fluid changed at the same time front and rear. It probably needs all new gears I would imagine. She's got 160,000 on the clock now. I'm just not sure if I trust myself to tackle it or not as I havn't done that before.

 

[SteelHeadz]

The knuckle joints were replaced this past fall because they were pretty wore out. Also had the diff fluid changed at the same time front and rear. It probably needs all new gears I would imagine. She's got 160,000 on the clock now. I'm just not sure if I trust myself to tackle it or not as I havn't done that before.

If your not familiar with the use of a Dial Caliper gauge and knowing where and how to measure Turning torque, endplay and total turning torque, and reading the pattern of the gear paint on the ring gear drive and coast side, i would recommend that you take it to a shop that has the experience, rather than taking a chance on blowing off your hard earned money on a trial and error..My Opinion..

 

[Jeeper99]

That's probably what I will do is take it to someone who knows the routine and I don't wanna tear anything up . I would like to watch someone first hand and learn this stuff myself because I hate not being able to wrench on my own stuff. I appreciate all the info and tips guys! Thanks a Ton!