Differential pinion depth

[VJW]

When rebuilding a transmission and differential on a 420C does anyone have advice concerning the setting of the pinion depth if the JD gauge (AM452T) is unavailiable. I used the tried and true method of gear tooth contact to set mine up but had to keep changing shims until I achieved the correct backlash and gear tooth contact. Not so bad on the pinion but a pain to keep pressing off the bearings on the ring gear assembly not to mention damaging the shims. Fiqured someone might have a little advice. Thanks-VJW

[Lavoy]

The gauge only works to set pinion depth. To do preload and backlash, you have to do it the hard way, pull the bearings, move shims, measure and repeat.
Lavoy

[hunter41mag]

Hi,

When setting gear pattern make sure to adjust for pattern by moving pinion in or out and adjust backlash to within specification by moving ring gear side to side.

I would take an old set of ring gear bearings and machine the ID a few thousands larger so the bearing go on and off by hand. It will get you close but you will still need to check and maybe adjust with the new bearings.

Don

440 IC

[VJW]

That sounds like a good idea Don, I'll give it a try. Thanks.