Diff gear poor mesh.

[Dieselruby]

Looking for some insight in my ring and pinion gears. Bought a used axle (always a risk I know) that has 5.38 gears. Finally got the axles installed (winter project turned into summer project). Anyway, got together and test drove. Humming from the rear driveline. Opened up the diff after eliminating some other possible issues. Appears the gear setup isn’t right. There is ridges forming on the outside edge of the ring gear. Please see pics. Is this to be expected (guessing no)? Is this something I can adjust without presses and investment in special tools? Or is it something I would need a shop to handle? I am a fairly competent mechanic, but never toiled with diffs. Seems a big investment in the right tools to do it right. Any insight on the issue and remedy would be great.

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[chevymitchell]

Looking for some insight in my ring and pinion gears. Bought a used axle (always a risk I know) that has 5.38 gears. Finally got the axles installed (winter project turned into summer project). Anyway, got together and test drove. Humming from the rear driveline. Opened up the diff after eliminating some other possible issues. Appears the gear setup isn’t right. There is ridges forming on the outside edge of the ring gear. Please see pics. Is this to be expected (guessing no)? Is this something I can adjust without presses and investment in special tools? Or is it something I would need a shop to handle? I am a fairly competent mechanic, but never toiled with diffs. Seems a big investment in the right tools to do it right. Any insight on the issue and remedy would be great.

You really need some gear marking compound and to present a pattern using it to determine anything.

I can take a guess and say the pinion isn’t deep enough which is the most common error with 5.13’s and 5.38’s. It even looks that way in one of your pics. My guess would be the installer just stuck with the shim that was in there stock. Even at zero etch, the 5.38’s like a little more shim to stay closer to the performance side of the ring.

You won’t need a press, but you’ll need a sledge, race installation tool, punch to push pinion out, shims, dial indicator, gear marking compound, and a torque wrench at the very least. (Standard hand tools, also, of course)

Depending on how long it was broken in like this, you may end up needing a new gear set.

 

[Deleted Member RoadNomad]

Just a guess but pinion depth might be off. I have set up many diff's in my life. It generally is a time consuming art that requires a number of specialized tools and procedures that the average mechanic's usually avoid. Without seeing a dye/compound pattern were just guessing!

 

[Jeep Wick]

Looking for some insight in my ring and pinion gears. Bought a used axle (always a risk I know) that has 5.38 gears. Finally got the axles installed (winter project turned into summer project). Anyway, got together and test drove. Humming from the rear driveline. Opened up the diff after eliminating some other possible issues. Appears the gear setup isn’t right. There is ridges forming on the outside edge of the ring gear. Please see pics. Is this to be expected (guessing no)? Is this something I can adjust without presses and investment in special tools? Or is it something I would need a shop to handle? I am a fairly competent mechanic, but never toiled with diffs. Seems a big investment in the right tools to do it right. Any insight on the issue and remedy would be great.

Yeah, to reiterate what these guys have said, you need some marking compound. It is entirely trial and error for the pattern using shims. I've only setup one ring and pinion before, it's a hassle but it is DIY possible. You'll want a magnetic dial indicator to measure backlash.

 

[Dieselruby]

I will get some dye to get a pattern and see what it says. Sounds though like likely will need to at best be completely re-set from the depth/backlash etc. standpoint which is what I had been looking to avoid. Gather a good amount is art as much as precision.

 

[Dieselruby]

Not sure this is a great pattern but looks maybe like it is shallow and by the heel. Not sure I know what that means for adjustment. Further after how many miles would the set be worn in and can’t really adjust it anymore?

 

[Deleted Member RoadNomad]

Pinion not deep enough, See attached picture for perfect pattern, you need additional shims on the pinion. Its hard to tell with the compound your using but I don't think you have the carrier shimmed right either. Too many shims on the left. You won't know for sure until the pinion depth is right, that's the first step, get that wrong and nothing comes out right!

Pull the carrier, get a dial indicator and set the correct pinion depth using the correct shim.
Otherwise your going to be playing out and in with the pinion and carrier until you get the correct
pattern on the ring gear.

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