MTFCA Forum

Ok ,so I got my differential haves put together with 3 bolt . I can turn the axles free spin with no end play. I can turn my ring gear without any binding. But how free should it spin? I have not put any grease on the inner bearing yet because as I said it is a fit test.

Should spin VERY freely. 005" minimum- .010.

Should spin VERY freely. 005" minimum- .010. ? I think he is asking about drag on the thrust washers. I set mine to a little drag because there will be some settling in of the bronze thrust washers. If John is talking about tooth clearance, I am of the OP that .005-.010 is too close for this type of setup esp if using stock roller bearings. Even the Model A was around .015. I set the tooth clearance by sound, a light tick tick for me or around .015.

Mark Gregush wrote: ↑

Fri Aug 06, 2021 6:51 pm

Should spin VERY freely. 005" minimum- .010. ? I think he is asking about drag on the thrust washers. I set mine to a little drag because there will be some settling in of the bronze thrust washers. If John is talking about tooth clearance, I am of the OP that .005-.010 is too close for this type of setup esp if using stock roller bearings. Even the Model A was around .015. I set the tooth clearance by sound, a light tick tick for me or around .015.

OP didnt ask about ring gear mesh. I would not count on a tight thrust washer wearing in quickly. If the OP is intimating some friction @ this point, IMO, its a little tight. A little loose wont hurt anything. A little tight could. Will it get tighter when laid horizontal or when completely assembled or with it mounted under the car? Dont know.

John: Three bolts AND the housing gasket? Or without gasket? If no gasket and you can turn it by hand you meet the criteria in the rear axle rebuild handbook and are good to go, literally. jb

jab35 wrote: ↑

Fri Aug 06, 2021 9:36 pm

John: Three bolts AND the housing gasket? Or without gasket? If no gasket and you can turn it by hand you meet the criteria in the rear axle rebuild handbook and are good to go, literally. jb

That is correct, by the book. The added gasket/shim adds the extra clearance needed if you are using the gasket. The manual says to add the gasket/shim if necessary. There was no mention of using a gasket. I personally dont use a gasket. (Thats where my thinking was) I get the clearance in without it & ultra silicone the housings together. If I am un sure of the clearance, I will add a temporary paper shim under one of the thrust washers. If it locks up : more machining on a bronze washer.