ARB RD104 - Manual (Page 12)

2 Removing the Existing Differential
10
2.6 Removing the Differential Center
2.6.1 A Cast Aluminum Housings
IMPORTANT:
YOU
MUST NOT SPREAD THE HOUSING ON
ALUMINUM IFS ASSEMBLIES.
IFS models like the Jeep Liberty (KJ) were made with an
aluminum differential housing (See Figure 1.) and therefore must
not be spread like a cast iron housing. Spreading an aluminum
housing could cause irreparable damage to the housing and is
therefore strongly advised against.
c Remove both bearing caps.
c Carefully remove the differential center by pulling or prying forward.
NOTE : Keep track of which shims came from which side as it
will be important to match them to their original
positions for measurements later.
NOTE : The differential center is heavy and quite difficult to
handle when covered in oil. Take care not to drop it.
2.6.2
B Cast Iron Housings
IMPORTANT:
YOU
MUST SPREAD THE HOUSING ON CAST IRON MODELS
Spreading the differential housing with a differential case
spreader is a step which is critical to set up bearing pre-load on
cast iron differential housings (See Figure 2.). Improper pre-load
will result in undue bearing wear, increased stresses in the
differential center, increased running noise, and ultimately, ring
and pinion gear damage.
c Remove both bearing caps.
c Carefully spread the housing (Fig.5.) enough to remove the
differential center. (Refer to your vehicle’s service manual).
NOTE : Do not spread the housing more than 0.50mm [0.020”].