Online Guide and Manuals

Rear axle is of the banjo type, utilizing the removable carrier style differential. Light weight construction joins split tublar housings for each side with center covers welded to axle housing. Final drive is of the hypoid style. Axle shafts are semi-floating type supported with bearings at their respective ends in axle housing. Bearings are fitted to axle with pressure type bearing retainers. Pinion bearing preload, side bearing preload, and pinion depth adjustments are made with shims while differential side gears are adjusted with spacers.

Colt does not attach any tag or other easily identified item to the rear axle housing. Colt vehicles do however, utilize only one kind of rear axle assembly. Removable carrier.

NOTE - There may be two types of differential cases, side gears, and pinion gears. When replacing these components ensure correct parts are selected.

                         Differential Gear Radio

97.5"............................................................  3.889-1

121.7"

     Gt and Formula S .................................  3.889-1

     All Others............................................... 3.545-1

FIG. 1 MEASURING AXLE SHAFT DEFLECTION

Removal - 1) Raise and suitable support rear axle housing so rear wheels clear ground. Remove rear wheel and brake back plate nuts, then disconnect wheel cylinder brake line. Fix suitable puller set (CT-1003 and C-637) to lug studs and work slide hammer until axle shaft is free to be withdrawn. Set brake back plate with parking brake attached out-of-way. Using suitable tool (C-637 with hook) remove axle oil sea.

2) To remove axle bearing proceed as follows. Grind down bearing retainer at one point until retainer thickness is .04-.06" (1.0-1.5 mm), then chisel ground portion and remove retainer. Using suitable bearing puller or press (CT-1120) remove bearing from axle.

3) Using a dial indicator, inspect axle shaft deflection in three spots (see illustration). Replace axle shaft if specifications are exceeded.

                          Axle Shaft Deflection Table

Point "A".....................  0-.004".............................. .004"

                                       (0.-.10mm)......................... (.10 mm)

Point "B"...................... 0-.002"............................... .002"

                                       (0-.05 mm)........................... (.05 mm)

Point "C"...................... 0-.08".................................  .08"

                                       (0-2.0 mm)............................(2.0 mm)

FIG. 2 EXPANDED VIEW OF AXLE SHAFT ASSEMBLY

4) Rear axle bearing should be replaced when bearing noise is detected, when bearing axle free play exceeds .014-.016" (.36-.41 mm) or if bearing radial free play exceeds .001-.002" (.03-.04 mm) at approximately 11 lbs. (5.0 kg) measuring force.

5) Inspect wheel hub bolts for tightness and bearing outer retainer for deformation, replace defective parts as necessary.

Installation - 1) Fit outer bearing retainer flat side against shaft splined end, then install bearing and inner bearing retainer. Seat bearing retainer with smaller chamfered side directed to the bearing. NOTE - Ensure bearing is completely steated.

2) Lightly coat lips of oil seal and using suitable oil seal installer (DT-1007B and CT-1008) fit axle shaft oil seal in rear axle housing.

3) Using packings and shims in proper sequence, set clearance between bearing and outer bearing retainer to .00-.01" (.0-.25 mm).

4) Carefully insert axle shaft assembly into axle housing using care not to damage seal. Slightly turn axle shaft until splines line up with differential side gears. Align packing oil holes with outer bearing retainer and tighten bearing retainer to axle housing flange. Connect brake line to wheel cylinder and bleed air out from system.

FIG. 3 REMOVING DIFFERENTIAL GEAR HOUSING

Removal - Drain oil from rear axle differential housing, then disconnect propeller shaft. Pull out both rear axle shafts approximately 2 1/2". Remove differential gear carrier It may be necessary to tap outside of housing to break gear carrier loose.

Installation -Lightly coat each bearing and gear with oil. Apply sealing compound on packing and axle housing with nuts and tighten. Fill differential gear housing with .96 quart of suitable multi-purpose gear oil (API GL-5).

FIG. 4 REMOVING DIFFERENTIAL SIDE BEARINGS

Differential Gear Assembly - 1) Remove bearing carrier cap and lever gear case assembly from housing. Using suitable bearing puller tool (C-293-P and C-293-39) pull differential side bearing. Keep rigt and left bearings and shims in sequence for reassembly.

2) Remove ring gear lock plate tabs and loosen bolts in diagonal sequence, then remove ring gear. Drive out pinion shaft lock pin from ring gear back side using a punch; pull out pinion shaft and pinion. Pinion side gears and spacers are now accessible. Note placement of pinion side gear and spacers and ensure they are reassembled in same position.

FIG. 5 REMOVING DRIVE PINION BEARING

Drive Pinion Disassembly - 1) Hold end yoke with suitable tool (C-3281) and remove lock nut, then remove end yoke. Using a wheel puller, force out drive pinion with adjusting shim, rear inner bearing race, spacer and preload adjusting shim.

2) With suitable bearing puller (C-293-P and C-293-39) remove rear bearing inner race and at same time, pull off drive pinion adjusting shim. Using suitable drift, remove front drive pinion bearing outer race and oil seal. Repeat some procedure to remove bearing outer race.

Check differential gears for correct tooth contact and replace gears if wear is excessive. Inspect bearing faces for roghness or score marks and replace, if necessary, bearing assembly. Ensure splines of side gears and rear axle shafts fit correctly. Check clearance between pinion gears and pinion shaft, if wear is excessive, replace components.

NOTE - To check gear tooth contact using point impression method, refer to beginning of this section.

FIG. 9 MEASURING CLEARANCE BETWEEN SIDE BEARING AND GEAR CARRIER

Case Assembly - 1) Install thrust washers (spacers) behind side gears in their original position and assembly pinion and side gears in differential. Insert both pinion gears, with pinion washers attached, so they mesh with side gears. It may be necessary to slightly rotate pinions to achieve desired meshings. Insert drive pinion shaft.

2) Check pinion and side gear backlash as shown in illustration. If backlash is beyond 0-.003" (0-.08 mm) adjust by selecting a side gear thrust washer (spacer) of correct size. If backlash is to be adjusted, ensure right and left sides are equally shimmed.

3) Thoroughly clean all dirt from ring gear mounting surface of differential case. Install bolts and lock washers. Tighten bolts alternately in a diagonal sequence and bend over lock tabs. Ensure lock washers are in contact with case rib after final torque has been perforemed.

Drive Pinion - Using a suitable drift and hammer or a press, seat front and rear bearing outer races into gear carrier ensuring that outer races do not cock. Ensure bearing races are completely seated before proceeding. Install shim between drive pinion and rear bearing. Using suitable bearing installer (CT-1075) press bearing onto drive pinion shaft. If drive pinion and bearings are scheduled to be reused, shims should be replaced with new ones of same thickness. In instances where the gear set is to be replaced, install new shims that  are the same thickness as used shims on drive pinion. NOTE - When determining the desired thickness of shim pack, amount of compression the desired thickness of shim pack, amount of compression (sinkage) of shim pack and wear of the bearing (where old bearing is reused) must be taken into consideration

Drive Pinion Depth - Install drive pinion spacer, front bearing, washer, end yoke and washer in order of removal. Fit pinion shaft retaining nut and slowly tighten nut, continuously checking, until pinion bearing preload is 6-9 INCH lbs. (7-10 cmkg) with oil seal not installed. Place suitable cylinder gauge on inside bearing pedestals of gear carrier housing. Place a block gauge on top end of drive pinion and slip a feeler gauge between the two gauges to obtain the correct clearance. The clearance between gauges should be .0118" (.300 mm). This is the standard height and any deviation from this height will be marked on the head of the pinion shaft and side of ring gear. To calculate the correct pinion height, add or subtract the variation value from the standard height. NOTE -Stamped values are in hundredth millimeters. Add or subtrace the correct amount of shims as necessary.

Pinion Bearing Preload - This adjustment must be perforemed after the setting of the drive pinion depth. Remove end yoke and insert the bearing preload adjusting shim between pinion spacer and bearing, then tighten end yoke to 9-11 INCH lbs. (10-13 cmkg). In addition to the preload adjusting shims there are spacers available to provide proper adjustment. After finishing adjustment of drive pinion bearing preload remove the end yoke and apply a thin coat of grease to outer surface of oil seal, then drive seal into position in gear carrier. After greasing oil seal lip, insert end yoke and tighten nut.

Side Bearing Preload - Fit each side bearing into differential case leaving shims out; use suitable tool (CT1102) for this procedure. Ensure side bearings are completely seated before proceeding. Install differential case assembly on gear carrier, then calculate the clearance between side bearing outer race and bear carrier as shown in illustration. After obtaining clearance add .002" (.05 mm) preload figure to each side. Insert shims equally on both sides. Align gear carrier and bearing cap index marks, then tighten cap retaining bolts.

Ring Gear Deflection - Attach a dial indicator to back side of ring gear and measure deflection. If ring gear has excessive deflection, correct position of the assembly in relation to differential case and again perform measurement. Replace ring gear or differential case as necessary.

Drive Pinion Backlash - Measure backlash of drive pinion in at least four different spots on ring gear with drive pinion securely fixed in final position. Set up a dial indicator on ring ring gear teeth edges. If measured backlash is greater than .005-.007" (.13-.18 mm), shift shims from ring gear side to back of the ring gear to obtain proper backlash. If the measure value is less than standard value, reverse the moving of shims as stated above. Side bearing shims are available in various thicknesses.

NOTE -Check gear tooth contact using paint impression method described at beginning of this section.

Final Inspection and Assembly - Lightly coat each gear and bearing before and during reassembly with gear oil. After installing each component, ensure all rotating parts are free to move smoothly. Install differential gear assembly to axle housing after applying sealing agent and tighten gear carrier mounting nuts in diagonal sequence.

NOTE - The use of collapsable spacer to set drive pinion bearing preload, as described in this story, has been in effect since January 1974. Models prior to that used a selected spacer.

An integral type housing, hypoid design, with centerline of pinion set below centerline of ring gear. Semi-floating axle shafts are retainer at axle housing by ball bearings and a bearing retainer at axle housing outer ends. All adjustments are performed using selective fit shims and gaskets.

1) Remove brake drum retainers and remove brake drum. Remove bolts securing bearing retainer plate to axle housing. These bolts are accessible through holes in axle shaft flange. Pull axle shaft and bearing assembly out of axle housing.

2) Loosen inner retainer ring by nicking it deeply with a cold chisel in several places. It will then slide off easily. Press bearing and seal assembly from axle shaft using arbor press and suitable tool to hold and support bearing.

3) To install, inspect housing and axle shaft and lightly coat wheel bearing bore with axle lubricant. Place bearing retainer plate on axle shaft, and press new wheel bearing on shaft using suitable tool. NOTE - Do not attempt to press on both bearing and inner retainer of the same time.

4) Using suitable bearing installation tool, press bearing inner retainer ring on shaft until retainer seats firmly against bearing. Insert axle shaft into housing and engage splines. Top shaft into position. Install bolts securing bearing retainer plate and install brake drum and retainers.

1) Raise vehicle and remove wheels. Mark propeller shaft for proper alignment and disconnect from drive pinion flange. Release parking brake; then remove locknut and adjusting nut from handbrake cable and disconnect cable from relay lever. Disconnect line from brake hose.

2) Raise and support center of rear axle and disconnect shock absorbers from axle. Remove rear axle support. Remove two stabilizer bar retaining clamps from rear axle housing. Remove rear spring "U" bolt nuts and detach bolts and plates. Lift axle assembly and remove from vehicle.

3) To install, lift rear axle assembly into position on spring, being sure that it is correctly located over spring pilot bolts. Align and loosely fit propeller shaft to drive pinion flange. Fit "U" bolts  over axle, slide on lower plate, install new locknuts and tighten.

4) Using a suitable tool, hold rear stabilizer bar onto mounting pads on axle housing and install retaining clamps. Insert retaining clamp bolts, check for binding and tighten. Raise center of rear axle and install shock absorbers. Remove axle support

5) Reconnect brake line to brake hose and handbrake cable to relay lever on rear axle housing. Adjust nut until relay lever is just clear of stop, tighten locknut. Tighten driveshaft-to-pinion flange bolts and bleed rear brake system. Fill rear axle housing with lubricant, mount rear wheels and lower vehicle.

FIG 1. CHECKING DRIVE PINION DEPTH

Disassembly - 1) Raise vehicle and remove wheels and axle shaft assemblies. Mark propeller shaft for correct realignment and disconnect from pinion flange. Remove ten cover attaching bolts, cover and gasket and drain rear axle oil. Discard gasket and thoroughly clean cover.

2) Remove differential bearing caps and mark caps for correct repositioning. Lift differential out of axle housing using two pry bars. Remove tapered roller bearing from each side of differential assembly using a suitable puller. Remove adjusting shims from differential housing. Remove ring gear attaching bolts and ring gear from differential assembly.

3) Using a suitable drift, remove lock pin securing differential pinion shaft in case and remove pinion gears, side gears and adjusting shims. Using an INCH pound torque wrench on drive pinion retaining nut, note torque required to turn drive pinion gear. Remove torque wrench, hold pinion flange and remove drive pinion retaining nut. Remove pinion flange using a suitable puller, then remove pinion. Remove large bearing from drive pinion using press and suitable fixtures. Remove outer pinion bearing and seal from axle housing using a suitable drive. Remove bearing races from axle housing using a drift.

Reassembly - 1) Install pinion bearing races into axle housing. Set pinion depth as follows: Pinion cross bar of pinion depth gauge tool (T70P-4133) and side bearing in rear axle housing. Install bearing caps (number to number) and tighten attaching bolts. Loosen bolts and retighten finger-tight. Preload side bearing by expanding depth gauge crossbar by holding bar and rotating nut. Seat side bearing and check that side bearing are still preloaded. Do not over expand cross bar. Tighten bearing attaching bolts.

2) Install dummy pinion (part of special tool) into axle housing with pinion bearing but no shims. Lightly lubricate bearings and tighten tool until correct pinion bearing pre-load is obtained. Rotate dummy pinion several times to insure seating of bearings. It is essential that the torque reading be recorded and followed for further adjustment of drive pinion. This torque must also be checked after installation of drive pinion with collapsable spacer.

FIG 2. EXPLODED VIEW OF OF CAPRI II DRIVE AXLE ASSEMBLY (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

3) Mount dial indicator on mounting brakcet and set to zero on dummy pinion. Slowly rotate dial indicator over cross bar of tool and read total deflection of pointer. This reading gives the exact thickness of the shims to be used. When pinion is marked "-1" or "-2" this amount must be added to indicator reading. When gear is marked "+1" or "+2" this amount must be subtracted from reading to obtain correct shim thickness. Using a micrometer, select a shim of the determined thickness.

FIG 3. MEASURING SIDE GEAR CLEARANCE

4) Position shim(s) on pinon and press on large tapered roller bearing using a press and suitable fixture. Position differential side gears, with one shim each, in differential case. The grooved side of shim must be towards side gear. Position differential pinions and thrust washers between differential side gears. Push the differential pinion shaft into position in case, taking care to align locking pin holes. Measure play of each side gear using a feeler gauge. If side play is not to specifications, install new shims. Secure differential pinion shaft with a locking pin.

5) Position ring gear on differential case and locate with bolts. Pull ring gear evenly into position with bolts. Remove old bolts and install new bolts and tighten. To determine total play of differential case in axle housing. Press tapered roller bearing onto differential case without shims after first inspecting bearings for damage. Install pressure blocks (part of tool T70P-4136) into axle housing on each side of differential case and install differential case and bearings in axle housing. Install bearing caps (number to number) and tighten attaching bolts. Now, loosen bolts and tighten finger tight.

6) Tighten pressure spindle (tool T70P-4136) to a torque of 43 INCH lbs. Rotate differential several times and recheck torque. Mount dial indicator on rear axle housing so that feeler contacts inner side of ring gear flange and zero indicator. Place pressure spindle into other side of housing and tighten to 43 INCH lbs. Read and note amount of indicator deflection and record as total play of differential case in rear axle housing. Loosen pressure spindle, tilt dial indicator to side and remove differential, pressure spindle and pressure blocks.

FIG 4. DIFFERENTIAL SET-UP, PRESSURE BLOCK AND SPINDLE INSTALLATION

7) Install inner bearing on drive pinion gear along with collapsable spacer. Install drive pinion gear, outer pinion bearing, new oil seal and flange into housing. Install new pinion flange nut and hold pinion flange using a suitable holding fixture.

8) Slowly tighten nut. Keep checking pinion gear rotating torque (using INCH pound torque wrench) until rotating torque is equal to that noted during disassembly. Tighten on additional 2-4 INCH pounds torque for friction of new oil seal. Pinion nut torque should be to specification when pinion rotating torque is correct, install new collapsable spacer and repeat procedure.

9) To determine differential case bearing shim thickness: Place pressure blocks back into axle housing and place differential case with bearing races into axle housing. Install bearing caps, tighten screw, then loosen and tighten finger tight. Using pressure spindle, press differential housing with a torque of 43 INCH lbs. away from drive pinion. Rotate pinion several times. Position feeler of dial indicator gauge at right angle to one tooth of ring gear. Measure tooth flank backlash at 4 points, each time turning gear two bolt heads further. Deviation of tooth flank backlash must not exceed .002" (.05 mm). Insert pressure spindle into other side of axle housing and screw in slowly until there is the specified value of tooth flank backlash.

10) Position dial indicator so that feeler contacts ring gear flange and zero indicator. Insert spindle into other side of axle flange and zero indicator. Insert spindle into other side of axle housing and torque to 43 INCH lbs. Read and record indicated deflection on indicator as ring gear back side shim thickness. Remove pressure spindle, differential case and pressure from axle housing.

FIG 5. MEASURING RING GEAR BACKLASH

11) To calculate shim thickness, first take the value of differential case total play obtained in step 6) and add to this value a value for ring and pinion backlash which will give an even number. For example, if total play is .0529" (1.344 mm), add for preload the value of .0021" (.056 mm) (preload value selected from specified range) to obtain .055" (1.40 mm). Next, take the value for ring gear back side shim thickness, measured in step 10) and subtract .005" (.13 mm) from this value. For example, if ring gear back side shim thickness is .025" (.64 mm), subtract .005" (.13 mm) to obtain .020" (.51 mm). Now subtract value just obtained (.020" or .51 mm) from total play value obtained above (.055" or 1.40 mm) to obtain ring gear face side shim pack, in this example .35" (.89 mm).

12) Remove differential case bearings and position required shims on differential case. Using suitable tools, press tapered roller bearing onto differential case after checking bearing for damage. Insert differential case in axle housing and position bearing caps as previously marked. Coat bolt threads with sealing compound and insert bolts.

13) Position dial indicator feeler in a vertical position on one ring gear tooth and check that pinion to ring gear backlash is to specifications. If not, differential must be removed and shims adjusted. If backlash is too great, remove shims from ring gear face side and transfer to ring gear back side and vice versa. Do NOT increase or decrease number of shims, but only interchange between one side and the other.
14) Finally check gear tooth contact pattern and adjust as necessary to obtain correct pattern. Position housing cover and new gasket on axle housing and install and tighten bolts. Attach parking brake operating lever to rear axle housing and correct return spring to bracket on housing. Install rear brake assemblies on axle housing and correct parking brake cable to brake assemblies.

HALF SHAFT CONSTANT VELOSITY JOINT

Differential has hypoid type ring and pinion gear set, and may have one of two cluch pack type limited slip units. Left side of housing is the housing cover and must be removed to expose carrier assembly. Cover incorporates a ball bearing and oil seal for left axle flange, and a bearing cone for the left differential carrier bearing. Right carrier bearing and seal are incorporated in housing. The pinion gear is supported by roller bearings and preload is maintained by a collapsible spacer.

Ring and pinion gear set with Klingelnberg tooth design, can be identified by the lettter "K" stamped on the head of the pinion gear; Gleason teeth are noted by an "H" or "F" stamping. To determine axle ratio, divide number of ring gear teeth by number of pinion gear teeth. The number of teeth on ring and pinion, and the code for limited slip differential (S40), is stamped on right side of differential housing.

DRIVE SHAFTS AND UNIVERSAL JOINTS
Remove drive shaft after removing retaining bolts from axle and half shaft flanges. Remove cover from joint housing and snap ring from end of drive shaft. Remove clamps from boot then press drive shaft joint. Remove dust boot-to-joint surfaces, and install seal cover after packing joint with suitable grease.

STANDARD TWO PINION DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY

LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIALS (TYPICAL)

AXLE SHAFTS AND BEARINGS

PULLING AXLE DRIVE FLANGE

Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel, drive shaft, axle flange retaining nut, and using a puller, if required, remove axle flange. Using soft headed mallet; drive axle shaft out of housing. Drive out bearings and seals, then remove spacer sleeve and shim. To install, reverse removal procedure noting the following: Install outer bearing then determine distance between outer races of inner and outer bearings. Measure spacer and shim, then install spacer and a suitable shim that will obtain the specified wheel bearing end play. Pack bearings and new seals with suitable grease, then complete installation procedure.

AXLE FLANGE, SEAL AND BEARING

PULLING AXLE DRIVE FLANGE BEARING

Remove drive shaft. Hold axle flange using suitable tool (7012) and remove flange retaining bolt. Using suitable puller (7011-2) remove axle flange. Pry out oil seal and if required, remove ball bearing on cover side, using suitable puller. To install, reverse removal procedure after packing bearing and/or filling between sealing lips of seal with grease. Install seal flush with housing or cover bore.
NOTE - Differential carrier can be removed from housing with differential assembly installed in vehicle. After removing axle flange, follow Differential Carrier, Disassembly and Overhaul procedure, in this story.

DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
Remove propeller shaft and drive shafts, tie drive shafts up out of way. Support differential and remove bolts securing it to front brackets and rear support. Remove differential assembly. To install, reverse removal procedure, insuring rear support is stress free when installed.

DISASSEMBLY

CHECKING RING GEAR BACKLASH

Differential Assembly - Remove differential assembly as previously outlined and mount assemly in suitable holding fixture. Drain oil and mark pinion shaft and companion flange for reassemly reference. remove inspection hole cover, mount dial indicator in one cover bolt hole and check ring gear backface runout and ring-to-pinion gear backlash. Check gear tooth contact patter. NOTE - Refer to Rear Axle Gear Tooth Patterns in this section. Remove axle flanges and side cover, then remove differential carrier assembly. Proceed as follows for standard or limited slip differential carrier disassembly.

Standard Differential Carrier (Two Pinion Type) - Remove carrier bearings using suitable puller (Rolex LM 503349). Separate ring gear from carrier. Drive out pinion shaft lock pin, remove pinion gears shaft and pinion gears, then remove side gears with shims and thrust washers.

Limited Slip Differential Carrier - Remove carrier bearings using suitable puller (Rolex LM 503349). remove bolts securing case-to-ring gear flange (Type 1), or cover-to-case (Type 2), insert case and lift case off clutch and gear assembly. Separate ring gear from flange. Remove clutch components. Lift off hub, remove side gear and one set of pinion gears. Repeat procedure for other half of case.

CHECKING PINION GEAR PRELOAD (TYPICAL)

Drive Pinion Gear - 1) Remove differential carrier as previously described, then check pinion bearing preload using an inch pound torque wrench. Remove pinion flange nut lock ring and using a suitable tool (7012) hold flange and remove nut.
2) Press pinion gear out. through flange and housing, then remove oil seal and front roller bearing. Using suitable puller set (6053), remove pinion bearing outer cones from housing.

DRIVE PINION GEAR ASSEMBLY

Differential Assembly - Reverse disassemly procdure noting the following checks and adjustments.
Drive Pinion Bearing Preload - 1) If original ring and pinion gear set is being installed and gear tooth pattern and pinion bearing preload was satisfactory at time of disassembly, install drive pinion gear using original shim and a new collapsable spacer. If a new gear set is being installed, determine correct size of shim to use in the following manner: Drive pinion gears may be stamped either "+1,2,3, etc" or "-1,2,3, etch". Compare marks on tapered ends of old and new gears. Subtract the two numbers. In relation to original new gears. Subtract the two number. In relation to original shim, a plus remainder means a thinner shim is required, a minus remainder means a thicker shim is required.
2) Remove then reinstall pinion gear, using new shim(s), collapsable spacer, and seal as required. Install compnion flange and nut and tighten nut to obtain specified drive pinion bearing preload. NOTE - If preload exceeded, new collapsible spacer must be installed, and this procedure is repeated

CHECKING SIDE-TO-PINION GEAR BACKLASH (TYPICAL)

Side-to-Pinion Gear Backlash (Standard Differentials) - Install two pinion gears with shaft and one side gear. Mount dial indicator to carrier so plunger contacts side gear. Force side gear hard against pinion gears, zero indicator, then force side gear hard against case. With proper shim and thrust wahser, backlash should be as specified, and preload of all three gears should not exceed specified value. Repeat procedure on opposite side (with second set of pinion on four pinion type), then retain side gears pressed outward against carrier so axle flange retaining bolts can later be installed.

MEASURING TYPE 1 CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

Clutch Assembly End Play (Type 1 Limited Slip Differential) - Assemble clutch assembly without ring gear or case. Apply 220 psi (15.5 kg/sq. cm) to one end of assembly. Measure depth of case. If clutch assembly-to-housing end play is not to specifications, adjust by using thicker or thinner inner cluch disc.

Clutch Assembly End Play (Type 2 Limited Slip Differential) - Without using the four small diameter thrust washers, two small spring washers, or two large spring washers, assemble clutch assembly in housing. Compare depth of housing cover thrust surface and thickness of large spring washers, to distance between edge of housing and outer clutch disc. Install suitable large spring washers to obtain specified end play. NOTE - If excessive end play exists, thicker outer clutch discs may be installed.

MEASURING TYPE 2 CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

Checking Pinion Gear Torque (Limited Slip Differentials) - With differential carrier assembled, install axle flanges in carrier. Clamp one flange in vise and using and INCH pound torque wrench (Type 1), or foot pound torque wrench (Type 2), turn other flange. If rotating torque of side and pinion gears is not to specifications, install thicker or thinner case cover-to-clutch assembly thrust washers.

Differential Bearing Preload - Install one shim behind carrier bearing outer cone in side cover. Install bearing cone using suitable tool (6053). Install drive flange bolt, without flange, so it contact pinion gear shaft. Install carrier in housing and tighten cover retaining bolts. Check preload by turning flange bolt using on INCH pound torque wrench. When cover bolts are torqued to specifications, measure gap between cover and housing using a feeler gauge. If preload is lower than specified, shims must be thicker than gap; if preload is higher than specified, shim thickness behind cone must be less than gap between cover and housing. Install required shims under bearing cone in cover. Heat ring gear to 176-212 Degrees Fahrenheit, install ring gear on carrier using locking compound on bolts, and install carrier in housing. Check Ring-to-Drive Gear Backlash.

DIFFERENTIAL BEARING PRELOAD SHIM THICKNESS MEASUREMENT

Ring-to-Drive Pinion Gear Backlash - With differential bearing preload set, remove inspection hole cover, mount dial indicator in one cover bolt hole, and check ring-to-pinion geaer backlash. Check ring gear tooth contact pattern. NOTE - Refer to Rear Axle Gear Tooth Patterns in this section. While maintaining established shim thickness, move shims behind carrier bearing outer cones, from one side to the other as necessary, to obtain proper contact patter. After setting backlash, complete differential reassembly procedure.

RING GEAR BACKLASH SHIM LOCATION (TYPICAL)

Differential has hypoid ring and drive pinion gear set and may have a clutch pack type limited slip unit. Differential housing has removable rear cover. Differential carrier is retained in the sides of the housing by retaining plates, and is supported by roller bearings. Drive pinion gear is supported by roller bearings, and in addition, a long neck housing has a ball bearing supporting the drive pinion at the companion flange. Drive pinion preload is maintained by a collapsible spacer in the short neck housing, and by a spacer and shims in the long neck housing.

The ring and pinion gear set with Klingelnberg tooth design, can be identified by the letter "K" stamped on the head of the drive pinion gear; Gleason teeth are noted by an "H" or "F" stampling. To determine axle ratio, divide number of ring gear teeth by number of drive pinion gear teeth. The number of teeth on ring and drive pinion gears is stamped on forward left side of differential housing.

Remove drive shaft after removing retaining bolts from axle and half shaft flanges. For universal joint or dust boot replacement, use the appropriate procedure below.

Constant Velocity Joint - Remove cover from joint housing, then remove snap ring from end of drive shaft. Remove clamps from boot then press drive shaft from joint. Remove dust boat. To install, reverse removal procedure using sealer on boat-to-joint surfaces and install seal cover after packing joint with suitable grease.

Sliding U-Joint - Drain oil from joint, note position of hose clamps, then remove clamps. Pull off housing and roller caps and coat needle bearings with grease. Remove dust boot from spacer ring and then remove boat and ring. To install, reverse removal procedure, locating hose clamps in original position.

Cross and Roller U-Joint - NOTE - If yoke is bent or twisted, complete drive shaft must be replaced. Remove bearing cup snap rings, then press out bearing cups using suitable arbor press or vise and supporting tools. Remove cross assembly from yoke. To install, hold cross between ears of drive shaft and partially install two bearing cups. Align cross with cups, then using arbor press or vise, press cups into yoke until snap rings can be inserted.

Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel, loosen castellated nut securing flange to axle shaft, then using a suitable puller, remove flange. Remove drive shaft, then using a soft headed mallet, drive axle shaft inward and out of housing. Drive out bearings and seals, then remove spacer sleeve and shim. To install, reverse removal procedure noting the following: Install inner bearing, then determine distance between outer race of inner and outer gearing. Measure spacer and shim, then install spacer and suitable shim that will obtain a wheel bearing play of .002-.004" (.05-.10 mm). Pack bearings and hub with suitable grease, then using new seals, complete installation procedure.

NOTE - On short neck differential housing, complete disassembly of differential is required for seal replacement. Refer to Drive Pinion Gear Removal and Installation procedures for seal replacement.

Long Neck Differential Housing - Remove propeller shaft, nut retaining companion flange on drive pinion gear, companion flange, and seal. To install, reverse removal procedure insuring seal installed depth is .24" (6 mm) from front of seal to front edge of housing.

Removal - Remove drive shaft. Hold axle flange using suitable tools (604 wrench; 6040 Spacer) then remove flange retaining bolt. Using a suitable puller (20/10) and support bracket (7011-1) remove axle flange. Remove oil seal.

Installation - Fill between sealing lips of seal with grease, then install seal in retaining plate to a depth of .16" (4 mm). Thoroughly clean flange and carrier splines an if any backlash between splines exists, apply small amount of locking compound to flange splines. Install flange and retaining bolt.

Remove propeller shaft and drive shafts, tie drive shaft up out of way. Support differential and remove four frame-to-housing attaching bolts, two differential cover-to-bracket nuts, and two bracket-to-fram bolts. Remove differential assembly. To install, reverse removal procedure, insuring rear bracket is stress free when installed.

Differential Housing - Remove differential assembly as previously outlined, and mount assembly in suitable holding fixture. Drain oil and mark drive pinion shaft and companion flange fro reassembly reference. Remove rear cover plate. Remove both axle flanges, as previously described, keeping right and left side ports separated. Mount a dial indicator to housing and check ring gear runout for reference at time of reassembly. Make a gear tooth patter check. NOTE - Refer to Rear Axle Gear Tooth Patterns in this section. Mark and remove carrier bearing retainer plates and shims. Turn housing rear opening upward, move carrier to right side, tilt and remove carrier from housing. Proceed as follows for standard or limited slip differential carrier disassembly.

Standard Differential Carrier - Remove carrier bearings using suitable puller (Rollex LM503349). Remove both securing ring gear to carrier, then remove ring gear. Drive out pinion shaft lock pin, remove pinion gears shaft and pinion gears. Remove side gears with shims and thrust washers.

Drive Pinion Gear - 1) Remove differential carrier as previously outlined, then using an inch pound torque wrench, check preload on drive pinion gear. Hold companion flange and remove retaining nut. Press drive pinion from flange and housing, then remove bearings. NOTE - On long neck housing, first remove flange nut, flange, cover and shim. Using a suitable tool (6046) remove drive pinion lock nut, then press gear out.

2) Remove drive pinion shaft oil seal then using suitable tools (5109 and 5120) press drive pinion outer bearing cones from housing. NOTE - On short neck housing, remove rear bearing cone first. On long neck housing, remove forward bearing cone first.

Differential Assembly - Reverse disassembly procedure noting the following checks and adjustments.

Drive Pinion Bearing Preload - 1) If original ring and pinion gear set is being installed, install drive pinion gear using original shim and new collapsible spacer. If a new gear using original shim and new collapsible spacer. If a new gear set is being installed determine correct size of shim to use in the following manner. Drive pinion gears may be stamped either "+1,2,3, etc", or "-1,2,3, etc". compare marks on tapered ends of old and new gears. Subtract the two numbers. In relation to original shim, a plus remainder means a thinner shim is required; a minus remainder means a thicker shim is required.

2) Remove then reinstall drive pinion, bearings and cones, as required, so new shim(s), collapsible spacer, and seal can be installed. NOTE - On long neck housing, preload must be established with pinion lock nut before installing front housing cover.

3) Install companion flange and nut (short neck housing), or pinion lock nut (long neck housing) and tighten nut to obtain specified preload. NOTE - If preload is exceeded, new collapsable spacer must be installed, and procedure repeated.

Side-to-Pinion Gear Backlash (Standard Differential) - With pinion gears and one side gear installed, mount dial indicator to carrier. Force side gear against case, zero indicator then force side gear against pinion gears. With proper shim and thrust washer, backlash should be as specified and preload of all three gears should not exceed 14 ft. lbs. (1.9 mkg). Repeat procedure on opposite side gear, then retain both side gears pressed outward against carrier, so axle drive flange retaining bolts can later be installed.

Clutch Assembly Endplay (Limited Slip Differential) - Assemble differential clutch and gear assembly, without ring gear or case. Apply 220 psi (15.5 kg/sq. cm) to one end of assembly. Measure from inner surface of flange to top surface of spacer ring. Measure depth of case. If clutch assembly-to-housing end play is not to specifications, adjust by using thicker or thinner inner clutch discs.

Checking Pinion Gear Torque (Limited Slip Differential) - With differential carrier assembled, install axle flanges in carrier. Clamp one flange in vice and using an inch pound torque wrench, turn other flange. If rotating torque of side and pinion gears is not to specification, install thicker or thinner case cover-to-clutch assembly thrust washer.

Differential Bearing Preload - With differential carrier installed in housing without ring gear, and with carrier bearing retainer plates installed without shims, thread a bolt against differential pinion gear shaft. Equally tighten retainer plate bolts until specified bearing preload is obtained. Using feeler gauge, check clearance between retainer plate and housing to determine required shim thickness. Take required shims and install them equally under both retainer plates.

Ring-to-Drive Pinion Gear Backlash - After establishing differential bearing preload, check ring-to-pinion gear tooth contact pattern. While maintaining established shim thickness, move shims from one retainer plate to the other, as necessary, to obtain proper contact pattern. After setting backlash, complete differential reassembly procedure.

Axle assembly is a semi-floating type with integral carrier. Drive pinion is carried on two taper roller bearings adjusted to a preload condition by use of collapsible spacer. A one piece differential case with a hypoid gear assembly is carried in axle housing on adjustable taper roller bearings, secured by caps and bolts. Ring gear-to-pinion mesh is controlled by screw adjusters which are locked in position with lock plates. Steel thrust washers are used between differential gears and case. Axles are carried by sealed ball bearing which are retained by pressed-on collars. No drain plug is provided, if necessary, oil is drained by removing rear cover

Both manual and automatic transmission models have an axle ratio of 3.889-1. There are 35 teeth on the ring gear and nine teeth on the pinion gear.

CRICKET REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY

CHECKING BEARING PRELOAD

Removal - 1) Jack up rear of vehicle and place floor stands under axles. Clean all dirt from around brake support plate and axle flange. Remove setscrew and pull of brake drum.

2) Remove four self-locking nuts attaching axle shaft retaining plate. Using suitable slide hammer (S-93 & C-637), remove axle shaft and bearing form axle housing. NOTE - Do not pry axle shaft out against brake support plate or plate may be distorted.

3) Using a suitable arbor press and tool (C-3926), press bearing and retaining collar from axle.

Installation - 1) With axle retainer plate positioned on axle with swaged center towards axle flange, press collar and bearing onto axle until extended boss of bearing is fully seated against axle face. NOTE - A minimum ram load of 3000 lbs. (1361 kgs.) is required for a correct fit. Otherwise it will be necessary to install a replacement axle.

2) Slide axle shaft into housing and align splines with those in differential side gear. Push shaft in and enter bearing into recess in axle housing.

3) Position retaining plate over four studs and tighten self-locking nuts. NOTE - Do not use retaining plate to draw bearing and axle shaft into position or excessive axle shaft end play will result.

CRICKET DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY

Removal - 1) Jack up rear of vehicle and support on floor stands. Scribe mark propeller shaft and pinion flanges for correct reassembly. Remove attaching bolts and tie propeller shaft aside. Wrap a card around flange and attach a spring scale to determine amount of preload poundage required to rotate flange. Note poundage for reassembly.

2) Scribe mark flange and pinion shaft for reaasembly. Using a suitable tool (C-3281) to hold flange, remove flange nut and flange. Drive one side of seal inward as far as it will go. Grasp other side of seal and pull from housing.

Installation - 1) Coat internal flange with grease and place seal lip facing housing. Using suitable tool (C-3837), drive oil seal into housing until tool contacts housing.

2) Install flange to previous marks. Install a new pinion nut (being careful not to overtighten) and tighten until pinion end play just disappears. Rotate pinion to seat bearings.

3) Progressively tighten nut a very small amount at a time, rotate pinion and measure preload. Continue this procedure until previously noted preload is restored. CAUTION - Recorded preload must not be exceeded. If preload is exceeded, remove differential assembly and install a new collapsible spacer.

Removal - 1) Raise rear of vehicle and place floor stands under rear body jacking points. Using care not to damage housing cover, jack up rear axle enough to remove rear wheels. Block brake pedal in the up position with a wooden block.

2) Disconnect shock absorbers at lower mounts. On station wagons, disconnect Panhard rod at axle. Scribe mark axle flange and propeller shaft for correct reassembly. Disconnect propeller shaft and tie aside.

CHECKING DIFFERENTIAL GEAR CLEARANCE

3) Disconnect hydraulic lines at flexible hose and seal off both ends to prevent contamination. Release parking brake, disconnect parking brake cable at rear and slid outer cable forward until it can be lifted out of its bracket. Lower axle assembly approximately one inch (25 mm). Place stands under rear stands under rear ends of lower links. Remove pivot bolts from upper and lower links at axle ends and remove axle from vehicle.

Installation - To install, reverse removal procedure. Final tightening of suspension components is done with vehicle setting on its wheels. Bleed hydraulic brake system and fill rear axle to proper level with suitable lubricant.

1) Remove rear cover and drain oil. Remove rear axles and bearings. See Axle Shafts and Bearings. Disconnect parking brake rod and hydraulic lines to remove brake support plates.

2) Mark differential bearing caps for reassembly to original locations. Remove locking plates, bolts and bearing caps. Remove two adjuster nuts at same time lifting out ring gear assembly and outer  bearing cones.

3) Scribe mark pinion shaft and flange for reassembly. Using suitable tool (C-3281) to hold flange, remove self-locking nut and flange. With a soft mallet, gently tap pinion shaft out rear of axle housing. Using suitable tools (C-293-P and RGM-4221A-34), remove inner bearing from pinion, retaining shims for reassembly. Remove outer bearing from housing and drive bearing and seal from housing using a brass drift.

NOTE - If bearing and comes are to be reused they should be marked so that they will remain mated and return to their original positions.

4) Using suitable tools (C-293-10 and SP3183), remove bearings from differential case if necessary. Mark ring gear and differential case for reassembly. Remove eight bolts and ring gear. NOTE - Ring gear bolts are discarded and new bolts used for reassembly. Bolts are of special design and require no locking devices.

5) Drive out locking pin retaining the cross pin. Push out crosspin and rotate pinion gear 90 degrees to case openings. Lift out pinion gears and thrust washers. Side gears and washers can now be removed.

NOTE - If gear replacement is necessary, a complete set of matched gears including cross pin and locking pin will be required.

Case Assembly - 1) Install thrust washers on differential side gears and position gears in differential case. Place thrust washers on pinion gears and position gears in case in such a manner that they are 180 degrees apart when they are in mesh with side gears.

2) Rotate side gears until holes in pinion gears are in alignment with cross pin holes in case. Install cross pin and locking pin. Then push side ear on cage side (opposite ring gear) against pinions until all gear end play is removed. Measure clearance between thrust washers and side gear clearance should not exceed .010" (.25 mm).

3) Peen over locking pin hole to retain pin. Inspect ring gear and case for burrs. Install ring gear on case with marks aligned. Install a new set of bolts and tighten evenly.

Drive Pinion Depth - 1) Using suitable differential assembly jig (RG.545), pinion depth is determined with a dummy pinion shaft and mandrel. Shims to space pinion depth in differential case are available in .003" (.08 mm), .005" (.13 mm), .10" (.25 mm) and .020" (50 mm) sizes.

2) Lightly oil inner pinion bearing and place it on pinion shaft. Slide pinion shaft into housing and install outer bearing spacer and nut (do not install oil seal at this time). Tighten nut by hand until end play is removed. Rotate pinion shaft to seat bearings and continue to tighten until nut cannot be tightened further by hand. A slight drag should be felt.

3) Place mandrel in differential case and install bearings caps, torquing bolts to 15 ft. lbs. (2.1 mkg). Measure clearance between dummy pinion and mandrel with a feeler gauge. Measurement will be the actual thickness of shims required between real pinion shaft and bearing. Remove dummy pinion and mandrel. Place shims on pinion shaft and press on inner bearing until they are fully seated.

Pinion Bearing Preload - 1) Place collapsible spacer on pinion shaft and install in differential housing. Install outer bearing and oil seal. Install pinion flange and a new self-locking nut making sure marks are aligned.

2) Using suitable tool (C-3281) to hold flange, tighten nut until end play just disappears. Rotate pinion shaft to seat bearings. Wrap a cord around flange and attach a spring scale. Note reading while maintaining a steady pull. Progressively tighten nut a small amount at a time and measure preload until desired poundage is achieved. Preload for original bearings is 6-11 lbs. (2.7-5 kg) or new bearings is 8-15 lbs. (3.5-6.8 kg). Make a note of figure obtained for late calculation.

CAUTION - Do not back off nut to lessen preload. If desired preload is exceeded, a new collapsible spacer MUST be installed and nut retightened until proper preload is obtained