ARB RD82 - Manual (Page 10)

2 Removing the Existing Differential
8
2.6 Spreading the Differential Housing
IMPORTANT:
Spreading the differential housing with a differential case spreader
is a step which is critical to set up bearing pre-load when a
differential is installed. 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.
Unbolt and remove the bearing caps.
HINT : Be sure not to mix up the left and right hand tapered
roller bearing cups or pre-load shims. Later it will be
necessary to know which cup came from which bearing
and which shim came from which side.
Carefully spread the differential housing (Fig. 3.) just enough to
remove the differential center (Refer to your vehicle’s service manual).
NOTE : Never spread the housing more than 0.5mm [0.02”].
Once the housing has been adequately spread, the differential may be
removed by pulling forward on the differential center.
Figure 3.
NOTE : The differential center is heavy and quite difficult to
handle when covered in oil. Do not drop it!