Setting axle endplay for new bearings

[AmadeusCharger500]

The f.s.m. says to thread the adjust till there is no end play in left or right axle, then back it off till there is .010 to .018. I can get that tolerance on the axle with the adjuster (right side) but the other side does not seem to move any tighter then .09. In other words I can get the right axle to adjust but not the left side.

[terrible one]

Is it possible that you don't have the thrust spacers in the diff? That's what happened to me, caused the same symptoms you described. http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,43658.msg479757.html#msg479757

[c00nhunterjoe]

I agree, one or both probably fell into the diff

[AmadeusCharger500]

Hey terrible one, I read that entire post. It would appear I have the same problem. I took the axles out and could see s small hole of light about 1/4 inch straigt through. I called the guy who set up the rear and he said he didnt remember it being gone but that he did not rebuild the sure grip section. He also stated that this part would usually be welded in. Totally wrong according to everything I read in your post. He told me just to go with the green bearings because I would have to tear into the sure grip unit to replace them, again not the same as your post but Im still tending toward the easier fix of the green bearings<< thanks for your response!

[John_Kunkel]

The thrust buttons are available from several sources and they can be installed without disassembling the differential. Green bearings are a band-aid for a problem like yours.

Be sure they're not lying in the bottom of the housing, they often stick to the end of the axle shafts and drop into the housing when the axles are removed.

[RallyeMike]

Be sure they're not lying in the bottom of the housing,

I'd want to be sure the buttons are not in the bottom of your housing. Maybe they won't jump up into the gears, but maybe they will!
Better safe than sorry. Pull the pumpkin and stick with the Timkens.

[AmadeusCharger500]

I agree with you both and changed my mind on this, I'm going to go with ordering the Thrust spacers. I rebuilt the sure grip myself from a unit I had sitting around the garage and that about 2 years ago, then I had someone else put it into the casing with the ring and pinion. I have no recollection of the original spacers and they may not have been installed in the first place since I had no idea what they were. I would have noticed them being there on the work bench if they had fallen out during rebuild. Anyone...if my mind is working, it was a 4 spider gear setup, which would be the one requiring the spacers.

[terrible one]

Glad to see you are on the right track

[AmadeusCharger500]

Got the thrust bearings in the mail. Time to take the center section off.....These things look like little toys!! hope this is the right thing to do!

[mopar0166]

make sure your adjuster isnt to loose to properly set bearings and also make sure you put your lock on when done. 

[AmadeusCharger500]

Thrusts spacers are in and the end play is .009!

Finally got the car back on four legs again.

Thanks everyone I feel better knowing I did it properly.

H