I figure I post this hoping I'll get some feedback as to what folks think of the pattern, and what changes would you make if any. TIA.

I'm swapping JK Rubi 44s on my WJ, and will be running 35s or 37s (not decided yet), and since I have the axles out (brand new), I figure I regear now (5.13s), so today I started working on the rear axle.

I kept the original inner pinion bearing shim to start, and played with the carrier shims to where it took 3 blows of a dead blow (withouht the spreader for now) and to where backlash was within spec. I will start playing with pinion depth now and see where the pattern moves from here. I'm actually happy with coast, but not to sure bout drive. Pics:


Pressing out the old inner pinion bearing:




Making some setup bearings:




Getting the new ring gear onto the carrier; carrier in the fridge and ring gear in the oven at 250* for 5 min both did the trick; then torque'd the new loctited bolts to spec (135 ft-lb ).




Pinion torque (no crush sleeve or seal in) 30 in-lb to start rotating, then drops to 15 while rotating:




Played with carrier shims till I got close on the backlash (FSM calls for 5-8, I got 6).






And on to the pattern (sorry for the shiny backlight), first coast:



Then drive:




Input / suggestions appreciated, help a brotha out

 

For some reason, the total torque (pinion with carrier in) was on the loose side even though when I had checked the pinion alone at first, I was @ 15, now I got 10 for total torque, which could explain why the pattern on the drive side wasn't as well defined as I had hoped for (even though I was adding drag to the ring gear with a shop rag), so i tightened the pinion nut a bit and now got 20 for total torque, rechecked the pattern and this is how it looks now:

Drive:




Coast:




Only thing is now backlash is down to 4 .

 

OK, pinion tq 20, total tq 24, baklash 5-1/2ish....... coast looks good, drive now moved a bit towards toe.

Drive:



Coast:



Think I'm done for tonite, crap I need more time to work on this.

 

looks good,,,,,, perfection on setting up gears is a test of nerves...... to get everything perfect is a great undertaking....... me on the other hand i would figure a little gear noise would be covered up by the tire noise..... call it good enough and run it

 

Looks good to me. Better than mine if you ask me.



You're backlash is good and I'd shoot for the tighter side as it'll loosen up a bit.

 

ya seriously, I'd say the pattern looks damn good as is, congrats on doing it yourself

 

I hadn't thought about that, I may stick to a BL of 5-6, makes sense, thanks!.

Thanks!