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Changing Dana 60 diff - backlash question

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Old Jun 2, 2025 | 10:08 PM
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dethomson's Avatar
dethomson
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Changing Dana 60 diff - backlash question

I'm upgrading my '79 Dana 60 from an open diff to a limited slip. I forgot to check the backlash before I popped out the diff and pinion. Can I put these back in and expect to get a good reading, or should I not worry about it and set things up to be in the range defined by the specs? I'm re-using the 4.10 gears I have been running. They're factory with probably 75K miles and appear to have little wear to my untrained eyes.
 
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Old Jun 3, 2025 | 07:46 AM
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FORDF250HDXLT
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From: Mi'kma'ki
I did the same thing with my sterling 10.25 rear. The open carrier was snapped. I didn't even know. I just found it broken and still working issue free, while doing a lube change. Found it just in time I guess before it wrecked havoc. Anyway, I yanked it out and traded the ring over to a more robust LS unit and while researching how to set the gears up, I learned you should match things up when re-using gears...oops. So I just set things up for a decent pattern. Got no noises and runs smooth, so I figure I'm in the clear.
I didn't do a full reman. I just installed new carrier bearings, got a shim kit for it and left the pinion alone. I figured I'd install everything new; gears and all if that didn't work out.
I think you're in the same boat, Dan, with no other option at this point.
 
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Old Jun 3, 2025 | 09:18 AM
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I am by no means a differential expert. (novice at best)
The many topics I have read about reusing your ring & pinion suggest you should set it up using the exact same specs it came out with.
Similar to what FordF250HDXLT said.
Unfortunately it sounds like you are past this point.

There is a good number of threads detailing a "howl or noise" after setting them up with "fresh" tolerances.
 
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Old Jun 3, 2025 | 10:18 PM
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Yea, I goofed. I might throw it back together and see what the measurements are. Maybe that's a waste of time, but why not. I guess I'll reassemble the new diff while being sure to get a good pattern on the gears. Oh well.
Thx guys
 
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Old Jun 7, 2025 | 05:46 PM
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I installed new bearings into an old differential. I used the backlash for new parts. I ended up with a whine. Now I have to go back in and try some adjustments. Suggestion.. with only a few thousand miles on the (very expensive) fluid, I'll drain it out, maybe filter it, then put it back in. Might have to do this more than once! This will save $100's.
 
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