Wavetrac install: diff preload

[shoon]

So, I have the OTC ford rotunda diff selector tool and 1 of the height spacers, but the other height spacer is missing (B2; the one used furthest away form the diff) so I microed a socket that is .012" too tall to use on the side opposite the diff. Upon torquing the case halves together, I then took my micrometer and measured the height all the way around the case halves to ensure they were all of equal height, and they are pretty darn close, within .05 of a mm.

I came up with 0.82 mm shim size.

I wasn't happy with not using the proper tool, so I went to the store and bought some keystock, which is EXACTLY 1.00 mm thicker than the height spacers in the ford kit and is perfectly flat. I installed the keystock between the case halves in the same locations as the ford kit (over the dowels). I took my measurements then subtracted the 1mm height difference and came up with 0.75 mm.

I'm under the impression you should always error in the side of being loose and go with the .75, but at the same time im not sure if the thin coating of anaerobic gasket maker between the 2 case halves (when assembled) is going to affect the measurements at all.

Considering the original shim was a .9 mm I know my measurements are pretty close to where they should be. my bearings are fully seated / pressed on using the proper ford tool (included with the kit).

I'm thinking I should go with a .8 mm shim but wonder if its best to go with a .75 mm?
What do you think?

 

[AREA 91]

I can assume that you installed NEW bearings?

 

[AREA 91]

This is a quote from one of the SHO GOD's Himself!


For the Quaife, I go one shim step thicker then what is measured, as this steel cased diff expands less then the case, so you want some over-preload at room temp.

Gary M.

 

[AREA 91]

Looks like it's gonna be the .8mm shim.

 

[shoon]

I can assume that you installed NEW bearings?

yes,

I massacred the bearings off the old diff getting them off, and the old race now has a bead of weld on the inside.

 

[shoon]

Found a single shim in a parts box at the local ford dealer (the only shim that had the right diameter too!)

Slapped it inside the diff shim tool on top of the new race and took a measurement with the new shim to be safe. Came up with 0.175 MM, and the case is probably 10 C (50 F) fair bit cooler than room temp so I think that will work!!

Thanks for the help,

Shaun

 

[shoon]

5th gear bearing race (one with the black oil funnel) seems to slip in and out rather easily. Is this normal? or is there some way to seat it better?

It's loose enough that I can make it fall out by flipping the case upside down.

cold chisel?

 

[AREA 91]

You should be able to remove the bearing races from the tranny case by hand. They are NOT a press fit.