Axle End Play vs. 8.8 Inch Traction-Lok Clutch Pack Thickness ?
12-28-2015, 09:11 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 27
Axle End Play vs. 8.8 Inch Traction-Lok Clutch Pack Thickness ?
I finished rebuilding my 8.8 and ran in to a axle issue. My 8.8 is out of an Explorer that was narrowed and putting it in an old Falcon.
I have no end play on Drivers side and have about .030" axle shaft end play on Passenger side axle. Since I have same size axles on both sides, I swapped them and still have same condition. I swapped the side gear and still have problem. According to the Explorer Service Manual, the Maximum axle shaft end play is 0.030" and no minimum. My clutch packs and shims measures out at 0.652 on both sides.
I know it's important to have same thickness of clutch packs/shims on both sides. However, I would think it would be more important that both side gears have same amount of contact with spider gears. Since the Drivers side axle has no end play and is in contact with the center pin, the side gear has more contact surface with the side gears compared to the Passenger side. Therefore, one side clutch pack is going to wear out faster?
It is interesting to note that when I was testing for breakaway torque on the clutch pack, the Passenger side always slipped. It may not mean anything since its not in the car yet.
I have two option. I can either install a thinner shim on Drivers side or install a thicker shim on Passenger side to equalize the axle end play and therefore have same contact surface on side gears & spider gears.
Techtips - Ford Differentials: How to Arrange Clutch Pack
Any onions?
Waid
I have no end play on Drivers side and have about .030" axle shaft end play on Passenger side axle. Since I have same size axles on both sides, I swapped them and still have same condition. I swapped the side gear and still have problem. According to the Explorer Service Manual, the Maximum axle shaft end play is 0.030" and no minimum. My clutch packs and shims measures out at 0.652 on both sides.
I know it's important to have same thickness of clutch packs/shims on both sides. However, I would think it would be more important that both side gears have same amount of contact with spider gears. Since the Drivers side axle has no end play and is in contact with the center pin, the side gear has more contact surface with the side gears compared to the Passenger side. Therefore, one side clutch pack is going to wear out faster?
It is interesting to note that when I was testing for breakaway torque on the clutch pack, the Passenger side always slipped. It may not mean anything since its not in the car yet.
I have two option. I can either install a thinner shim on Drivers side or install a thicker shim on Passenger side to equalize the axle end play and therefore have same contact surface on side gears & spider gears.
Techtips - Ford Differentials: How to Arrange Clutch Pack
Any onions?
Waid
12-28-2015, 01:24 PM
#2
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: PA
Posts: 556
Sounds like one side is longer than the other, you know what they say measure twice cut once.
JMAO going through all that cutting and welding i would swapped a 9" FORD, Bigger, Better and much easier to set up but again JMAO.
Good Luck
JMAO going through all that cutting and welding i would swapped a 9" FORD, Bigger, Better and much easier to set up but again JMAO.
Good Luck
12-28-2015, 05:27 PM
#3
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 27
I replaced a shim Drivers side with little thinner one. I used a dial indicator to check and now have exactly 0.015" on Drivers side and 0.020" on Passenger side axle end play which is within max 0.030" limit.
Thanks
Thanks
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12-08-2015 02:58 PM