Spicer Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ 44-4 SERVICE MANUAL - Manual (Page 30)

X5001-CVSP
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Setting Backlash
Backlash is the measurement of movement be-
tween the pinion and ring gear. With this axle,
backlash must be .004" to .006". To adjust
backlash, it must be measured first, using a dial
indicator attached to the cover face of the carrier.
24. Align the dial indicator plunger with the ring
tooth that is parallel to the cover face to
measure backlash (Figure 99).
Setting Differential Preload
Differential preload is the amount of pressure that
we put on the bearing with the cup. For this axle,
an increase of 5 to 13 in. lbs. over the pinion
torque-to-rotate is required.
27. To measure preload, use a 50 or 100 in. lb.
torque wrench. With the end yoke up, turn the
end yoke in one direction about four or five
revolutions. This will help seat all of the
bearings in the cups.
28. Turn the wrench the same direction that the
yoke was turned to seat the bearings. Be sure
the turn is steady and not too fast, or a false
reading may occur. Take a reading while the
wrench is moving (Figure 100).
NOTE: If the measurement is over .006", it is too
high.
25. To tighten backlash, subtract shims from the
button side, and place them on the flange side.
NOTE: For example, the flange shim may be
.180" and the button shim .160", with an .008"
backlash. To achieve .004" backlash, take .004"
from the button shim, making it .156". Then add
.004" to the flange shim, making it .184". To
move the shims, follow the same steps used for
removing the differential case and installing it.
NOTE: If the pinion torque-to-rotate is 30 in.
lbs., and the total torque-to-rotate is 34 in. lbs.,
there is not enough preload on the differential
bearings.
29. To adjust the preload, disassemble the differ-
ential case as described previously, and add a
slight thickness to the outboard spacers.
NOTE: The current flange side is .184", and the
button side is .156". By adding .002" to each
shim, they will change to .186" and .158" respec-
tively. This small adjustment should not effect
backlash.
Figure 99
Figure 100
26. Change shims, and check backlash again.
NOTE: It should be .004" - .005", which is
within the specification for backlash on the
WJ44-4 aluminum axle.
.160"
.004"
.156"
.180"
.004"
.186"
.184"
.002"
.186"
.156"
.002"
.158"