Bikersmurf
Expedition Leader
Pulled both axles out 6”, pulled the diff cover, pulled out the carrier, and removed the pinion gear out the back. After repeated trial and error adding extra shims I was able to bring the pinion bearing preload down below 30 inch pounds. Specs seem to be 17-30 inch pounds. At first it was slightly over 30 inch pounds till after I had spun it a few times and now the torque is just below 30 inch pounds… right on target.
I reassembled the diff, free play for these used gears is 9 thousandths (which is to the loose side of the 5-9 thousandths range), gear pattern is still good, all closed up, filled with oil and additive.
So far I have only gone for a short jaunt on the highway. I didn’t realize that the diff was making any noise, but the rig is quitter, and it feels tight.
I’ve not driven it on the highway enough to know for sure, but the cruise control surging when “coasting”. Time will tell for sure.