Diff spacer

[Coyote Patrol]

Esteban, this is the chevrolet spacer im refering to. Installs between the outer race and housing, you can see the one on the left installed. Im just not sure about the OD measurement. I will find some and let you know the specs.

[Esteban]

Thanks Ron, that looks very promising.

I guess than an update is needed. As mentioned some weeks ago, I was going to change the bearings on the rear differential, because suddenly, noise started developing. With the help of Ron over some PM, I decided to change only the bearings, as the culprits of the noise. My idea was to start a separate post for this, and I will probably do once all things are sorted out, and at least a good sequence is in place. And that the noise is gone, of course.

A couple of days ago, after everything was going smooth, I realized that the bearings for the differential assembly (where the ring mounts) were incorrect. I solely relied on the number that was showing in the parts manual, a 32209 bearing, and never compared with the ones that came out . Just to be fair with myself I pre-ordered the bearings prior to dismantling. Unfortunately, the correct bearings are proving elusive all over the world.

Correct bearings: 32209JX

Bearings installed: 32209

The difference as you'll see in the second picture, is only the bearing cup. And it seems to be dedicated only to the Patrol by NSK the Japanese manufacturer. So I been in contact with Ron to come by with a solution. Yes, there are a couple of approaches that can be done to work around with the bearings. And it seems that anyone involved in the rear axle rebuild will face the same challenge.

This picture shows the gap that is present with the incorrect bearings:

Incorrect bearings at Differential.jpg

This second picture show how the bearings should fit. What I did is place momentarily the old original bearing cups on top of the new bearing cones that are already pressed into the differential.

How bearings should fit.jpg

So as you can see, Ron, basically a walking encyclopedia when talking nuts and bolts, recalled that some differentials do use a spacer in that place, so in a way, we're just tweaking the design a little bit.

[RiverPatrol]

Excellent information, with detail.

[Esteban]

I called Ratech Manufacturing today to verify the thickness of one of their shim packages, and ordered one that will solve my problems.

Shim Package 1146. ID 2.6", OD:3.26" (66.4mm, 82.04mm) The bearings are 85mm so these are close to perfect.

They include in the package the following thickness for the shims: (2) 0.010", (4) 0.012", (2) 0.016", (2) 0.020", and (4) 0.062"

I need to arrange a theoretical 3mm shim package at each side, so the following combination can work as a starting point:
0.010" + 0.012" + 0.016" + 0.020" + 0.062" = 0.120" (or 3.05mm)

I will detail all the assembly and gear setup in another thread.

Thanks again to Ron for his ideas and suggestions.

[moore_rb]

After this, you will have an "almost a GM" rear end design...

[Esteban]

After this, you will have an "almost a GM" rear end design...

Well... I can do a Demotivational Poster with that!

Actually the shim pack that I chose is for Jeep Wranglers and Rubicons.

[bosque]

Rob.....Esteban,
You two rock the site. This has been a great thing to see unfold.......great info and captioned pics, more please and thanks!

[Coyote Patrol]

Glad you found some shims that will work Esteban. I went to the wrecking yard yesterday and measures a lot of shims. The chevrolet were too small in diameter, but i did find some shims that were close only problem i didnt know what they came out of. They are the exact same OD measurements of the jeep shims you found, i suspect these are the same. Good job on this Esteban. i cant wait to read your thread on this, as im going to rebuild mine in the near future.

[Esteban]

Excellent Ron. By any chance, the thicker of the shims that you found, can you measure it? My only concern is keeping the shims in place while I drop the differential inside. It will be nice to have something beefier that the 0.062" (1.58mm)

I'm no so concern about giving an exact preload to the carrier bearings. The manual calls for an additional 0.003" of shims divided in the two bearings. That might prove challenging with this setup. But, the differential that I have at the moment, used to be at the front of another Patrol. When I swapped everything into mine, bearings and shims included, maybe my brother or I added a 0.003" shims to the outside of one of the bearing cups (nobody recalls) A shim that small is impossible to be placed while the diff was already there. So maybe there's hope.

Need to start another thread...

[moore_rb]

Actually the shim pack that I chose is for Jeep Wranglers and Rubicons.

No - we will just keep that little secret to ourselves....