Tools Required

1. Install the J 36599-A to the right differential adjuster nut sleeve.
2. Slowly turn the J 36599-A clockwise until the right differential adjuster nut sleeve contacts the differential case bearing.
3. For the 8.25 inch axle, install the J 36599-A to the left differential adjuster nut sleeve.
4. Slowly turn the J 36599-A clockwise until the left differential adjuster nut sleeve contacts the differential case bearing.



5. For the 9.25 inch axle, install the J 36615 to the left differential adjuster nut sleeve.
6. Slowly turn the J 36615 clockwise until the left differential adjuster nut sleeve contacts the differential case bearing.
7. Mark the location of the adjuster nut sleeves in relation to the carrier halves.

Ensure that the notches in the adjusting sleeves can be counted when turned.

8. Using the J 36599-A turn the right differential adjuster nut sleeve out two notches.
9. Using the J 36599-A (8.25 inch axle) or the J 36615 (9.25 inch axle), turn the left differential adjuster nut sleeve in two notches.
10. Rotate the pinion several times in order to seat the bearings.

1. Install a dial indicator so the button contacts the outer edge of the pinion yoke.

Ensure that the plunger is at a right angle to the pinion yoke.

2. Move the pinion yoke back and forth through the pinion flange's free play while not allowing the ring gear to move.
3. Record the dial indicator reading.
4. To determine the actual backlash, divide the dial indicator reading by 2.

An actual dial indicator reading of 0.16 mm means that there is actually 0.08 mm backlash.

Specification
The backlash between the ring gear and the drive pinion should be between 0.08-0.25 mm (0.003-0.010 in) with a preferred specification of 0.13-0.18 mm (0.005-0.007 in).

Important: When adjusting the backlash, observe the following:

•	Always turn the left and the right differential adjuster nut sleeves in equal amounts.

•	Turning the differential adjuster nut sleeves one notch will change the backlash about 0.08 mm (0.003 in).

•	Once the proper backlash is obtained, turn the left differential adjuster nut sleeve in one additional notch in order to preload the differential case side bearings.

5. If the backlash is too small, use the following procedure to adjust:

5.1.	Increase the backlash by turning the left differential adjuster nut sleeve in one notch and the right differential adjuster nut sleeve out one notch.

5.2.	Recheck the backlash and adjust as necessary.

6. If the backlash is too large, use the following procedure to adjust:

6.1.	Decrease the backlash by turning the right differential adjuster nut sleeve in one notch and the left differential adjuster nut sleeve out one notch.

6.2.	Recheck the backlash and adjust as necessary.

7. Once the proper backlash is obtained, turn the left and the right differential adjuster nut sleeve in one additional notch using the J 36599-A (8.25 inch axle) or the J 36615 (9.25 inch axle) in order to preload the differential case side bearings.
8. Measure the rotating torque of the pinion and differential assembly using an inch-pound torque wrench.

Specification
The rotating torque of the pinion and differential assembly should be 2.8-5.6 N·m (25-50 lb in) for used bearings, or 3.4-6.2 N·m (30-55 lb in) for new bearings.

9. If the rotating torque measurement is below 2.8 N·m (25 lb in) for used bearings, or 3.4 N·m (30 lb in) for new bearings, tighten the differential adjuster nut sleeves one notch at a time on each side until the rotating torque of the pinion and differential assembly is within specifications.
10. If the rotating torque measurement is above 5.6 N·m (50 lb in) for used bearings, or 6.2 N·m (55 lb in) for new bearings, loosen the differential adjuster nut sleeves one notch at a time on each side until the rotating torque of the pinion and differential assembly is within specifications.
11. Once the specified torque is obtained, rotate the pinion several times to ensure the bearings have seated.

Recheck the rotating torque and adjust if necessary.

12. Recheck the backlash and adjust as necessary.
13. Once the backlash and rotating torque of the pinion and differential assembly is within specifications, perform a gear tooth contact pattern check to ensure proper contact between the pinion and ring gear. Refer to Gear Tooth Contact Pattern Inspection .