Center diff bearing preload
Although I'm still waiting on parts for my center diff, now seems like as good a time as any to set up the preload on the center diff bearings.
Fit the rear bearing cone to the assembled diff - making sure that it is fully home against the shoulder (it goes a couple of mm further than flush with the end of the diff).
Fit the high range output gear, and front bearing cone. I found it easier to leave the low range gear off the diff at this stage as it allows you to get your fingers around the side to hold it as you fit it into the housing.
With the case vertical (rear of the case uppermost), lower the diff into position in its forward bearing like this:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/im...011/01/487.jpg
The next part of the procedure in the manual says to sit the rear output housing (speedo housing) in place without the gasket, and measure the gap between the housing and the case.
Take into account the gasket thickness, then adjust the preload to 0.05mm by fitting the appropriate size shim behind the bearing cup in the output housing. It suggests to fit the original shim as a starting point, and work from there.
I've tried to do that and I reckon the procedure sucks.
The concept is OK, but the practicalities of trying to measure with feeler gauges etc to 0.05mm, on a ~250mm diameter disk that can rock slightly unless you keep steady pressure on the bearings just doesn't make it easy.
Surely there has to be a more practical way.
Since there aren't any shafts etc fitted at this stage (only the diff itself), is there any reason you cant set it up in a similar way to the layshaft bearings - ie just sufficient preload to get a slight increase in the force it takes to rotate the diff?
Steve
