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Differential Backlash, How Much Is Too Much?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by teletech, Aug 21, 2020.

  1. Aug 21, 2020
    teletech

    teletech Member

    Santa Cruz, CA
    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2016
    Messages:
    236
    I recently was greasing all my U-joints and such and had to rotate the driveline for access. Turns out there is what I'd consider a massive amount of play in the differential, enough that I can turn the shaft about 1/10th of a turn before meeting resistance / moving wheels.
    I'm thinking this might be why it bucks if I'm not careful at low speeds and also it just makes me wonder how much metal could be left on the teeth, or whatever is sloppy.
    It's not particularly noisy, or I should say the noise doesn't stand out over the howling of the incredibly loud old bias-ply mud tires fitted to the vehicle.
     
  2. Aug 21, 2020
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2002
    Messages:
    12,367
    1/10th of a turn isn't excessive if you're saying that going by the hands of a clock, starting at 12 o'clock you would feel resistance between 1 and 2 o'clock.
     
  3. Aug 21, 2020
    teletech

    teletech Member

    Santa Cruz, CA
    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2016
    Messages:
    236
    That's about the level of play. Thanks, it seems like a lot to me but if you say it's in the realm of normal I won't panic-but a new ring&pinion.
     
  4. Aug 21, 2020
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2002
    Messages:
    12,367
    On another note it would be a good idea to pull the cover off and take a look at the overall condition, if for nothing else but peace of mind. Since you say it bucks are you sure it's not the clutch causing that?
     
  5. Aug 21, 2020
    teletech

    teletech Member

    Santa Cruz, CA
    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2016
    Messages:
    236
    I'd been assuming it was clutch, but when I round the backlash I thought (hoped really) I'd found a culprit.
    It's got an old posi-traction in there, I suppose I should look at it some day. Of course it it's not loud, not leaking, and has acceptable backlash, I've got more pressing problems. :-]
     
    Glenn likes this.
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