Differential thrust pad

[Steve G]

I was taking out the differential pumpkin from the front axle to check things out and put in a new gasket. I heard something fall out and into the housing. After looking at the piece of metal and the service book I decided it was the "axle drive gear thrust pad". I see where it goes in the differential and the service manual talks about putting it back in on a rebuild but really does not say what the procedure is for setting it up. I know there is an adjusting screw and nut for it but I must be missing something here. Anyone know what is the best course of action to take?

[Gordon Maney]

Leaving for work now, but.... I believe there is text in the manual about it. The procedure is a run it out until it contacts, back it off a specified amount, and then lock it.

Look some more in your manual, and others will be along.

[W_A_Watson_II]

If it fell out, either the pad is broke, the bolt is broke, or someone screwed with the screw.

There is a gap specification for when it's installed correctly, but I don't seem to have it handy right now, sorry.

[Steve G]

I think I found it. It talks about if you put in a new ring gear to run the screw in until the pad drags on the ring gear, then back off a 1/8 turn for a .006 to .008 clearance. Should work for me if I can get it back in there.

Will, nothing looks broken as of yet and I know the screw has not been messed with as long as I've had it, but who knows before that (non running truck sitting in a field).

[W_A_Watson_II]

Unless the gap was excessive, the bolt rest in a recess in the pad, and properly adjusted it can't come out. Good luck, and those gaps sound right my what I remember.

[Charles Talbert]

The gap of .006-.008 is correct. As mentioned, unless there is a problem somewhere it can't get out. I'd suggest some serious looking around to see what has gone on. You will have problems unless the pad is in place and correctly adjusted. You may already have gear tooth issues if it has not been correctly adjusted with the truck running for some time. It can also very likely be an issue where someone didn't know how to set the gears up correctly along with the pad. I really would not fell good about not pulling the carrier off the housing just to perform a good visual inspection of the whole set up. Never will be an easier time, and the pad will be much easier to reinstall with the carier removed.