Some rear axle ?????

[ArtinNC]

I'm new on this forum just signed up today. I have a 1996 3.0 Ford Ranger.

I have been getting some noise from the rear axle, I have already replaced the prop center bearing. So to day I drained the fluid in the diff to put new in it. And looking at the ring gear it seems to have to much backlash. Tomorrow I will check the backlash with a dial indicator .
And here is my question, if I have to much backlash can I change the carrier shims with only removing the carrier caps?? Are the shins split like a rod bearing so I can push out the one behind the carrier with out removing every thing??

It's 7.5 axle, and can you replace axle bearings, I'v heard that the bearing race is part of the axle?

Thanks , Art

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

dont change the backlash on a used ring and pinion. its normal for a used gear set to have more backlash than the book specs call for.

the rear wheels bearings are lightly pressed (hammered) into the axle tubes, they are a bearing/race unit that are replaced all at once.

 

[ArtinNC]

Should I use heaver diff lube when I replace it?? I'm no expert but the gears look good to me, no razor edge on the teeth and no pits.

I had the wheel bearing checked about a year ago and they said that the race was part of the axle and if the wheel bearing went bad I'd have to get new axle shafts ?? right or wrong???

Art

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

gear oil is gear oil. buy whatever is cheapest.

the wheel bearings ride on the axle shaft. usually the axles are fine, but sometimes if the diff is starved for fluid or a bad bearing is ignored for a long time, the axle shafts will get chewed up. you can inspect the axle shafts after you pull them out of the axle and replace as necissary.

you could also use speedi sleeves to avoid replacing the entire axle shaft.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

or use a repair bearing that makes the bearing ride on a different surface on the shaft.