Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Backlash & Final Assembly
Mount dial indicator to housing and measure ring gear to pinion gear backlash in three places around ring gear (see specifications). Variation between readings should not exceed 0.002". Adjust to specifications by moving shims from one side of differential case to other, or by changing depth of pinion gear. Check tooth contact pattern (see Tooth Contact Pattern in this section). Install cover and tighten bolts to specifications.
| Ring Gear Backlash | .005-.009" | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side Bearing Preload | .015" | |||||
| Pinion Bearing Preload | ||||||
| New Bearings | 20-40 INCH lbs. | |||||
| Used Bearings | 10-20 INCH lbs. | |||||
| Pinion Gear Depth (Nominal Dimension) | ||||||
| Models 2558, 2559, 2682 | 2.625" | |||||
| Model Series 23 & 30 | 2.250" | |||||
| Model Series 25 | (1) | |||||
| Model Series 27 | 2.094" | |||||
| Model Series 44 | 2.625" | |||||
| Model Series 53 | (2) | |||||
| Model Series 60 | 3.125" | |||||
| Model Series 70 | 3.500" | |||||
|
||||||
| Application | Ft. Lbs. | |
|---|---|---|
| Models 2558, 2559, & 2682 | ||
| Model Series 23, 25, 27, 30, 44, & 53 | ||
| Pinion Shaft Flange Nut | 210 | |
| Side Bearing Cap Bolt | ||
| All (Exc. 44 & 53) | 45 | |
| 44 & 53 | 80 | |
| Ring Gear-To-Case Bolt | 55 | |
| Axle Flange-To-Hub Bolt | 35 | |
| Axle Shaft Or Bearing Retainer Bolt | 65 | |
| Cover-To-Housing Bolt | 35 | |
| Model Series 60-70 | ||
| Pinion Shaft Flange Nut | 260 | |
| Side Bearing Cap Bolt | 80 | |
| Ring Gear-To-Case Bolt | 110 | |
| Axle Flange-To-Hub Bolt | ||
| 60 | 55 | |
| 70 | 85 | |
| Axle Shaft Or Bearing Retainer Bolt | 75 | |
| Cover-To-Housing Bolt | 40 | |
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.