ARB RD20 - 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.
c Unbolt and remove the bearing caps from the differential housing.
HINT : Be sure not to mix up the left and right hand bearing
caps. Later it will be necessary to know which cup came
from which bearing and which shim came from which
side.
c Carefully spread the housing (Fig. 3.) enough to remove the
differential center. (Refer to your vehicle’s service manual).
NOTE : Never spread the housing more than 0.5mm [0.02”].
c 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. Take care not to drop it.