Durango 4WD V8-5.9L VIN Z (1998)
23. Push and hold differential case to ring gear side of the axle housing.
24. Record dial indicator reading.
25. Subtract 0.002 inch (0.05 mm) from the dial indicator reading to compensate for backlash between ring and pinion gears. This total is the
thickness shim required to achieve proper backlash.
26. Subtract the backlash shim thickness from the total preload shim thickness. The remainder is the shim thickness required on the pinion side of the
axle housing.
27. Rotate dial indicator out of the way on guide stud.
28. Remove differential case and dummy bearings from axle housing.
29. Install side bearing shims on differential case hubs.
30. Install side bearings and cups on differential case.
31. Install Adapters 8142 and Spreader W-129-B on axle housing and spread axle opening enough to receive differential case.
32. Install differential case in axle housing.
33. Remove spreader from axle housing.
34. Rotate the differential case several times to seat the side bearings.
Ring Gear Backlash Measurement
35. Position the indicator plunger against a ring gear tooth.
36. Push and hold ring gear upward while not allowing the pinion gear to rotate.
37. Zero dial indicator face to pointer.
Backlash Shim Adjustment
38. Push and hold ring gear downward while not allowing the pinion gear to rotate. Dial indicator reading should be between 0.12 mm (0.005 inch)
and 0.20 mm (0.008 inch). If backlash is not within specifications transfer the necessary amount of shim thickness from one side of the axle
housing to the other.
39. Verify differential case and ring gear runout by measuring ring to pinion gear backlash at several locations around the ring gear. Readings should
not vary more than 0.05 minute (0.002 inch). If readings vary more than specified, the ring gear or the differential case is defective.
