Spicer Jeep Grand Cherokee WJ 44-4 SERVICE MANUAL - Manual (Page 32)

X5001-CVSP
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These terms include the following (Figure 105):
■ “Root” is the inside radius of the tooth.
■ “Top Land” refers to the outside edge of the
tooth.
■ “Toe” is the bottom of the ring gear I.D.
■ “Heel” is the top of the ring gear tooth closest
to the carrier O.D.
The “Central” portion is the middle of the tooth.
“Flank In” means the gear pattern is close to the
root of the tooth and the picture starts at the toe.
“Flank Out” means the gear pattern is close to the
top land of the gear tooth. The picture will be
central to heel.
“Backlash” is the amount of movement between
the ring gear and the pinion, and the amount of
backlash can move the gear pattern from toe to
heel and heel to toe. With a tight backlash, the
pattern will shift toward the toe. With a looser
backlash, the more the pattern will shift toward the
heel.
Once the gear pattern is set, and backlash and
preload are within specification, the axle shafts
and wheel ends can be installed (Figure 106).
Axle Reassembly
Before installing the axle shafts into the carrier, be
sure to check for damage to the splines and wheel
studs. Check the spline for nicks and dings that
could prevent the axle shaft from sliding into the
side gear. Also look for threads on the studs that
are bent and could cause the nut to cross-thread.
The studs should be replaced if the studs are bad.
The shaft must be replaced as well if the spline is
bad.
1. Slide the axle shaft through the backing plate
and into the tube (Figure 107).
Figure 106
Figure 107
Figure 105
PROFILE
TOP LAND
ROOT
TOE
HEEL
LENGTHWISE
BEARING
ARC