Traction-Lok shim stack

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 21, 2004 | 10:17 AM

pdqford

Thread Starter

Logistics Pro

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 3,740

Likes: 37

From: Central NYS

Traction-Lok shim stack

I'm looking for some guidence here, guys - I'm in the process of rebuilding the 9" differential out of my '79 F-150.

I'm looking for a method to determine the shim stack thickness so that I'll have the proper pre-load on the clutch pack.

The shop manual describes the procedure using feeler gauges a special 'shim template' T68P-4946-P. Right! Nobody seems to have ever heard of one of those, and I haven't been able to locate an alternative method.

How do you guys set the pre-load on the clutch pack?

Jun 21, 2004 | 11:42 AM

mark a.

Lead Driver

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 8,922

Likes: 153

You should have 5 each of clutches & steels.The preload springs set the tension. Thats all there is to it. Ratech makes a kit for it & Ford still makes the preload springs. Before you tighten the case cover put a axle in to line up the clutch hub & the side gear.

Jun 21, 2004 | 02:09 PM

pdqford

Thread Starter

Logistics Pro

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 3,740

Likes: 37

From: Central NYS

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark a.

You should have 5 each of clutches & steels.The preload springs set the tension Thats all there is to it. Ratech makes a kit for it & Ford still makes the preload springs..

Thanks for the reply, mark a. Mine only had four friction plates and four steel plates, plus the combo plate (plus the shims). The replacement kit also has the 4+4+combo and a set of shims. (BTW, the local Ford Dealer says the pre-load springs are an obsolete part and I'd have to find a dealer that still has some in stock.)

The Ford shop manual says to first install .050" worth of shims in the diff case cover, then the friction and steel plates, the combo plate, and finally the clutch hub. Then, using a 5/8" X 2-12" bolt, nut and 2 washers, tightened to 10-15 ft/lbs, draw the clutch hub and plates to the case cover. The (mysterious) template and a feeler gauge will determine how much thickness needs to be removed from the clutch shim pack.

I've been told that if the shim pack is too thin, you'll end up with excess side gear movement: too much shim pack and the pre-load springs will be compressed and the clutches will wear quicklly.

If'n the mysterious template remains elusive, I'll just have to re-use the original shim pack (unless another solution surfaces. I've searched the archives and the web, but as yet have not found anything specific.)