Tahoe 4WD V8-393 6.5L DSL Turbo VIN S (1995)
Side Bearing Preload & Backlash
This procedure is performed after pinion assembly has been installed, and requires use of gauging tool No. J-22779 or equivalent. If gauging
tool is not available, side bearing shim thicknesses can be determined by using procedure for 7 1/2 inch ring gears.
1. Ensure bearing bores and caps are clean and free of burrs.
2. Lightly lubricate differential case bearings, install outer races on proper bearings, install differential in housing and support to prevent falling.
3. Install retaining strap over left bearing cap, secure strap with cap bolts and evenly tighten bolts to obtain snug fit.
Fig. 14 Side Bearing Preload Adjustment.
4. With ring gear tight against pinion (zero to 0.001 inch backlash), insert gauging tool No. J-22779, or equivalent, between left bearing race and
housing,
Fig. 14.
5. While oscillating tool, turn adjusting nut clockwise to force ring gear toward pinion until noticeable drag on tool can be felt, then tighten lock bolt
on side of tool.
6. Insert a 0.170 inch service spacer between right bearing cap and housing, then select and install service shim that will easily slip between spacer
and housing.
Do not reuse cast iron production shims as they may crack during installation. If service spacers and shims were previously
installed, they can be reused.
7. Insert progressively thicker feeler gauges between housing and service shim until slight drag can be felt when inserting gauge. Thickness of feeler
gauge used to produce slight drag will be dimension C used in
Fig. 14, to determine shim thickness.
8. Remove service spacer and shim, and gauge tool, without disturbing adjustment of tool.
9. Measure thickness of gauging tool at a minimum of three positions, average measurements and record average.
10. Add thicknesses of service spacer (A), shim (B) and feeler gauge (C),
Fig. 14, and record sum.
