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How much slack is too much in a differential?

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by '72CJ5, Aug 16, 2012.

  1. Aug 16, 2012
    '72CJ5

    '72CJ5 Member

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    Ok guys, i know i have been asking a lot of questions here lately, but I have another one. After the install of the lock rite in the rear axle (IFS width toyota 8") I notice that I have some sloop back there. Now, the front has the same exact setup and once the hubs are locked in, you can only move the yoke, by hand, about 1/4" at most before it stops. The rear axle, i can turn it almost a quarter of a turn before it stops. That seems like a lot of slack back there and all I did was install the locker and put the carrier back together the exact same way as I removed it. The bearing retainers and lock was put back in the same location as per the instructions. Never tested the slack before the install but just noticed it afterwards. It makes 2wd turning very difficult as the slack in diff will go limp then catch as the tranny keeps spinning and makes the jeep jump. Once it jumps once, the locker kicks in and not only starts to stop the jeep but when the slack comes out again, it launches the jeep again and agin until i clutch it and start over and make sure I keep preasure on the rear axle (by using the granny gear and constant preasure). If need be, i can drop the rear drive line and take a short video of the amount of slack I have but I would like to know how much slack is too much. I have been searching online and havn't found anything solid and will be making further phone calls to shops but would like to try here. Thanks.
     
  2. Aug 16, 2012
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

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    Did you check backlash when you reassembled it? Needs checked with a dial indicator. A pattern check should have been done as well.
    Most auto lockers do have a lot of slack in them. If they didn't they would cause dangerous handling issues when hitting ruts or mild curves during normal high speed driving. What you describe is excessive though.


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  3. Aug 16, 2012
    '72CJ5

    '72CJ5 Member

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    From the toyota forums I have been searching, people are saying it aint no big deal. Maybe so, im not sure. It is new to me driving the jeep with this type of locker in the rear as well as a very soft suspention. I will take a small video of it tomorrow and post it here so everyone can see how much I am talking about. Im not the best at describing things sometimes.
     
  4. Aug 17, 2012
    '72CJ5

    '72CJ5 Member

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    Ok guys, here is a short video I took today showing how much slack or play I have in the rear diff. What do you guys think?
    [​IMG]
     
  5. Aug 18, 2012
    grannyscj

    grannyscj Headed to the Yukon

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    I've seen about that on others. Additionally, you've got some spring wrap occurring and you weren't putting much torque to it. I imagine when accelerating your suspension is twisting up big time. This may be a big part of what you are feeling.
     
  6. Aug 18, 2012
    '72CJ5

    '72CJ5 Member

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    I checked my axle wrap before ever driving the jeep. On the street, in 2low and in granny gear, I started a power brake and kept on it until it broke loose and it will only go about 1 inch or so more then what it is. There is a gap between the springs and that fat overload spring on the bottom so it will move easily untill that gap is closed and then thats all the movement it gets...not enough to bind anything. Im just wanting to make sure that the amount of slack in the rear diff aint enough to start hurting anything. As i said, this is the first time i have drove anything with super soft suspension, rear ratchet locker and short wheel base so it may just be a learning learning curve with driving the jeep.
     
    Last edited: Aug 18, 2012
  7. Aug 19, 2012
    grannyscj

    grannyscj Headed to the Yukon

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    I looked at your video again today on a bigger screen and you have a lot of movement at the spring pad. Should be none. There are gaps in the leaves and the pad itself moves. I would fix that before worrying about the locker.
     
  8. Aug 19, 2012
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

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    noticed not much slip yoke...
     
  9. Aug 20, 2012
    '72CJ5

    '72CJ5 Member

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    drive line is good, doesnt have any issues upon compression or drop even with the entire rear axle at full drop. As for the springs, yes there is some movement. Im not running an axle wrap bar which means there will be some movement....as does every leaf spring set up in the world that does not run a wrap bar. What i was saying is that there is NOT enough wrap on the diff to cause any problems. I have checked and re-checked and nothing binds. besides, this thread is about slack in the diff, not my leaf springs or drive line.
     
  10. Aug 20, 2012
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

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    was only stating an opinion, personally i think there is excessive slack there but have no exp with a lockright type unit...
     
  11. Aug 20, 2012
    '72CJ5

    '72CJ5 Member

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    I know and I apologize if I came off wrong, i wasn't meaning anything bad by my comment. Only think i can come up with is maybe i didn't put in the spacers for the bull gears when i installed the locker and so therefore its locking the locker before taking off...no exp either by any means.
     
  12. Aug 20, 2012
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

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    I repeat. DId you check backlash and run a pattern check on the ring and pinion when you reinstalled the case? Just putting them back to where they were is NOT enough. Wear on the parts causes changes.


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  13. Aug 21, 2012
    '72CJ5

    '72CJ5 Member

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    No, I have not checked the backlash YET. Its a little harder to do in a toyota axle than in a regular diff. I think I will just call up the toyota guy and see if he has some time to tear into it with me so I can gain some knowledge as well as check everything out.
     
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