Differential installation – Spicer Tandem Drive Axles Service Manual J340-S, J380-S, J400-S, W460-S User Manual

Page 25

DIFFERENTIAL INSTALLATION

1 . Three differential cases are used with the W Model

carriers, depending on the ratio. Two of the cases
have two oil pick-up plates attached. Clean and coat
bolts with Loctite #271 or its equivalent. Assemble
and torque bolts to 7-9 Lb-Ft (9-12 N-m)

CAUTION: Differential assembly must be aligned

within bearing bores before preload is applied or damage to
bearings could occur.

2 . Install ring gear and differential assembly into carrier

housing.

CAUTION: To avoid damage of the ring gear and pinion, care
should be used when installing the ring gear differential
assembly into the carrier housing.

3 . Be sure side bearing cups are seated on bearing cones.

Assemble differential bearing caps, with match marks in
proper location. Clean differential bearing cap bolts and
washers and coat threads with Loctite #277 or its
equivalent. Install bearing cap bolts and tighten enough
to eliminate visible space between differential bearing cap
and carrier housing. Do not torque the cap bolts at this
time.

4. Install adjusting rings. Tighten both adjusting rings

until end play is eliminated and there is backlash
between the ring gear and pinion. See Figure 15.

5 . Loosen adjusting ring on tooth side of ring gear 1 notch

and tighten adjusting ring on flange side of ring gear 1
notch. Repeat process until backlash is eliminated.
Tighten adjusting ring on tooth side of the ring gear 2 or
3 notches or until proper backlash and side bearing
preload are established.

Oil Pick-Up Plate

Differential Installation Complete

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6 . Check ring gear and pinion backlash in four equally

spaced positions around the ring gear with a dial
indicator as shown. Acceptable backlash tolerance
is .006"-.012". See Figure 16.

NOTE: If backlash tolerance varies more than .003" (.080
mm) between the four positions, remove the differential and
determine the cause.

7. Once backlash is set, torque the differential bearing

cap bolts to 295-340 Lb-Ft (397-460 N-m). Check
backlash after torquing cap bolts.