Differential Assembly: Adjustments

Pinion and ring gear movements can be adjusted to obtain satisfactory roll patterns as follows:
1. Decreasing backlash moves the ring gear closer to the pinion.
^ Drive pattern (convex side of gear) moves slightly lower and toward toe.
^ Coast pattern (concave side of gear) moves lower and toward the toe.
2. Increasing backlash moves the ring gear away from the pinion.
^ Drive pattern moves slightly higher and toward the heel.
^ Coast pattern moves higher and toward the heel.
3. Thicker pinion position shim with the backlash constant moves the pinion closer to the ring gear.
^ Drive pattern moves deeper on the tooth (flank contact) and slightly toward the toe.
^ Coast pattern moves deeper on the tooth and toward the heel.
4. Thinner pinion position shim with the backlash constant moves the pinion farther from the ring gear.
^ Drive pattern moves toward the top of the tooth (face contact) and toward the heel.
^ Coast pattern moves toward the top of the tooth and slightly toward the toe.