Thunderbird V8-281 4.6L SOHC (1994)
Carrier Bearings: Service and Repair
NOTE: Pinion depth and bearing preload must be determined before performing this operation. The pinion must be properly installed into the carrier.
1. If differential bearings are to be replaced, remove from differential case with suitable puller.
Bearing Installation
2. Place righthand and lefthand master bearings onto differential case.
3. Install differential case with master bearings into carrier.
End Play Measurement
4. Install a suitable dial gauge, then measure total end play. Record this measurement as dimension A.
5. Remove differential case from carrier and place in a suitable fixture or soft jaw vise for ring gear installation.
6. Use a suitable fine flat file to remove burrs on mounting surface of ring gear and differential case.
7. Place ring gear into position on differential case, then loosely install three bolts to position ring gear to differential case.
8. Place differential case with ring gear in a suitable press fixture, then press ring gear onto differential case.
9. Install remaining ring gear bolts, then torque bolts to 70-85 ft lb.
10. Place differential case, with ring gear and master bearings installed, into carrier.
11. Install a suitable dial gauge, then measure total end play between ring gear and pinion gear. Record this measurement as dimension B.
12. Subtract dimension B from dimension A to determine dimension C.
13. Determine thickness of new differential case bearings and their required shims as follows:
a. Mark new bearings as righthand and lefthand.
