How to Set Up Gears in a Mopar Rear End

Use gear-marking compound to check the meshing pattern of the gears (seechart on page 37). This will establish a visual reference of thegear-mating pattern. If the backlash and bearing preload are correct,the only thing that can cause a poor pattern is an improper pinion-depthsetting. This means a full teardown to remove the pinion and change theshim. If you get a good pattern, throw it in the housing.

Swapping centersections in an 8 3/4-equipped Mopar is a quick and easyprocess. Start by removing the axleshaft retainer nuts.

The axleshafts should slide out of the housing with little trouble. Ifthey stick, loosely bolt a reversed brake drum onto the wheel studs toact as a slide hammer.

At this point, the centersection can be unbolted and removed. Have adrain pan in position to catch a serious load of oil once the seal tothe housing is broken. If it sticks, a floor jack under the yoke willusually break it free.

We used a bead of silicone to provide the seal, balanced the case on afloor jack, and shoved our "fresh" 4.10-geared Sure Grip center intoplace in our Duster. All that was left was to replace the axles, fill itwith lube, and enjoy the punch of gear reduction laying torque to bothwheels.

Click picture above to see the Obtaining Proper Gear Pattern instructions.

Click above to see the Specifications chart.