The Dana 41 Basket Case Axle is Nearly Figured Out

I believe I have the shim packs 98% figured out on the "abandoned" Dana 41 basket case axle rescue project. The last detail right now is that the backlash is a little bit tight. But since it's a brand new ring gear and pinion, I don't know if it matters that much as long as it's within the spec, which is 0.005-0.010 (and it's right at 0.005). What are your opinions? Because it seems that there are multiple opinions on what the backlash spec is. Moses Ludel says .005-.010 in the CJ rebuilders guide. The service manual gives three specs: .004-.007, .005-.008, and .006-.009. (Page M-9).
Still gotta check the pattern to be sure, but I think it's pretty much there.
#dana41 #cj2a #willysjeep #questionablelifechoices #willys #flatfender #jeepbuild #jeepwillys #basketcase #abandoned

[@huston2082]

Man I saw the indicator and went😫 RIGHT ON THE MONEY 👌👌

[@ginacoronel6872]

Spec is 6-10 thousands, the main thing would be to use machinist blue and check the wear pattern. I hate to say it, but even for something brand new, it might be a bit too tight, but you'll know for sure once you see the wear pattern. Looking great overall though 👍 the axle should be all done soon! Looking forward to that!

[@SunkCostGarage]

This is what gets me. It seems that there are multiple opinions on what the backlash spec is. Moses Ludel says .005-.010 in the CJ rebuilders guide. The service manual gives three specs: .004-.007, .005-.008, and .006-.009. (Page M-9). Not sure where .006-.010 came from? One of the service manual revisions?

[@ginacoronel6872]

​@@SunkCostGarage I think it came in a later revision, but that is more of a reference, the real deal is the wear pattern, sometimes you can be within spec, but wear pattern shows you should move it a little.

[@Jack_Mehoff_]

If specs call for 5 to 10 thousands and its 5 then you good to go

[@DarrenShackleford]

Perfection 😍

[@angelnevarez7215]

Sure but what about the wear pattern then check back lash

[@SunkCostGarage]

That's next for sure. Just wanted to make sure my shim packs got things in spec before confirming that pattern. (First axle rebuild for me. Everything that could be wrong with this one has been wrong.)

[@Fieldtech98]

It’s fine. Ship it

[@whiskeythrottle9622]

Send it

[@craigb4962]

I don’t know I am a Amateur home mechanic I don’t even know what that tool is called or what you were doing with the differential

[@ArcOfTheCovenant]

That gauge is called a dial indicator or a machinist dial indicator. It's for measuring very small increments

[@SunkCostGarage]

Truthfully, same here! This is my first differential rebuild so if it looks like I know what I'm doing, that's accidental. That is a dial indicator clamped to the axle housing to precisely check the back and forth play on the carrier assembly. Can't be too loose, but also can't be too tight. I've pieced it together and taken it apart probably 15 times so far to get it this close.

[@craigb4962]

@@SunkCostGarage the only time I messed with differentials was my brother in law’s ram that had leaky seals. We had to modify a L Allen wrench and a lawnmower blade to make a wrench to get it done.

[@chrispotts7660]

Idk. Looks ok.

[@mrdanger4851]

Put about 3 hours on it running dry it'll be a polished fit