I am in the process of reassembling my Dana 44 rear diff in my 06 TJ. I had the pinion in and out 3 times to get the correct shims (mine uses shims for preload, not a crush sleeve) and now have preload set. I was about to install the carrier when I turned the pinion yoke all the way around by hand and it was smooth and even as expected, but when I went to turn it the other way, there was a feeling of easier movement for a few degrees before the preload drag began again. I thought I imagined it, but if I turn either direction, then stop and quickly turn back and forth a few degrees, there is a feeling of rotational looseness(lack of drag/preload) but if I turn a little further in either direction, the feeling of preload resumes as normal and does not change no matter how long I turn it in the same direction. there is no front to back or lateral play at all, brand new Timken front and rear pinion bearings, housing looked fine and I have preload set to 20 in lbs. Has anyone experienced this? Is it normal? I have not rebuilt a differential for several years, and I don't remember this from prior builds, but I probably never looked for it either.
Thanks for any help. I really don't want to tear it apart again if I don't need to and if I did, I am not sure what I would be looking for. I inspected the new bearings and races prior to install.
Thanks for any help. I really don't want to tear it apart again if I don't need to and if I did, I am not sure what I would be looking for. I inspected the new bearings and races prior to install.
