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Allowable Differential Backlash

Discussion in '2nd Gen Tundras (2007-2013)' started by spetznaz, Feb 19, 2020.

  1. Feb 19, 2020 at 10:40 AM
    #1
    spetznaz

    spetznaz [OP] New Member

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    Is there a spec for the allowable differential backlash at the input flange?

    this is for a 2007 4x4 with tow
     
  2. Feb 19, 2020 at 12:18 PM
    #2
    rockmup

    rockmup New Member

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    That's not how its measured, you won't find anything like that.
     
  3. Feb 19, 2020 at 1:46 PM
    #3
    spetznaz

    spetznaz [OP] New Member

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    Yup I understand that it should be measured on the ring gear. BUT how much slop should I expect at the input flange before I need to worry about the differential needing attention or a rebuild.

    In other words how do I diagnose potential differential issues other than an oil leak or noise etc... Without removing the cover
     
  4. Feb 19, 2020 at 7:12 PM
    #4
    virgilus11

    virgilus11 New Member

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    I don't know if would help you or not.
    I have 4.88 gears and 315/70/17 tires.
    I put a mark on top of the tire and a piece of tape on the fender. The total play is about 2" from left to right.
    I am pretty sure with a smaller tire the play should show less.
     
  5. Feb 19, 2020 at 8:02 PM
    #5
    spetznaz

    spetznaz [OP] New Member

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    That's an interesting idea. Will try this out
     
  6. Feb 19, 2020 at 8:03 PM
    #6
    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

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    Drain the gear oil and inspect for excessive/abnormal wear particles or debris. Install new gear oil.

    Out of spec backlash is not necessarily an indication of a future gear problem...it could be due to wear or improper initial setup.
     
  7. Feb 19, 2020 at 8:24 PM
    #7
    spetznaz

    spetznaz [OP] New Member

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    Thanks any recommendations for diff oil for higher mileage ?
     
  8. Feb 20, 2020 at 2:22 AM
    #8
    rockmup

    rockmup New Member

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    Change you fluid however often you want. Its not something you should even be worrying about. Movement at the pinion or at a tire tells you nothing at all about the condition of your ring and pinion.
    Enjoy your truck
     
  9. Feb 20, 2020 at 6:07 AM
    #9
    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

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    To be clear, there are only two reasons to change your gear oil: (1) To confirm suspicions that you have a developing internal problem, or (2) The service miles are beyond where the maintenance is recommended. If you've observed some free travel at the driveshaft/pinion flange, that is normal and necessary. With higher miles there is a higher probability of increased backlash. If you know the gear oil has been changed less than 100K miles ago, and there is no noise, your best course is to stop worrying and drive the truck. There is little else you can do about it anyway.

    There are nearly as many owner recommendations for gear oil as there are for motor oil. If my own gear oil needed changing, I would have to do the research. Read the owner manual for recommended viscosity for your MY, then use Search to read the opinions. I recommend reading a lot of opinions to filter the BS and give yourself a balanced picture.
     
    Last edited: Feb 20, 2020

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