Differential gear mesh pattern OK?

[cub67]

I am struggling with my transmission / differential rebuild. Even with the shortage of very thin carrier shims I managed to get the gear lash to .004". Here is a pic of what my mesh pattern looks like. I'm just not seasoned enough to know if this would be acceptable of not. I was hoping some of you who have done this a few times might help me out. The pattern seems to be somewhat centered but seems kind of wide.

[tst]

I always try and make the pattern the same as the wear marks in the ring gear show from use and old age, if you try and create a different pattern the gear can be noisy

[mozer71]

I like the way it is centered over the PA/ pressure angle. It is sort of wide contact but what else. These ring & pinions were matched sets for cars and expensive. Apparently, you did a lot of work to get that pattern. I don't see it any better now.

[Glen]

Hi,
There are pics for the preferred gear mesh in the Cub service manual.
You didn't say if you have the manual. It tells how to set the gear spacing.
The 2nd page has pics of the teeth patterns.
The 3rd page tells how to correct the patterns, on the right side of the page.

http://www.farmallcub.info/manuals/gss- ... 006-08.jpg

http://www.farmallcub.info/manuals/gss- ... 006-09.jpg

http://www.farmallcub.info/manuals/gss- ... 006-10.jpg

I believe only the patterns on the driving forward side of the gears matter. tst say if that is not right please.

[tst]

yes that is correct, forward side only

[cub67]

I do have the service manual and I have studied those pictures but was still not sure if what I have here is acceptable. The gears all have a fair amount of wear and some minor pitting in places but seem intact. I don't think this cub was maintained too well before I got it. When I pulled it apart there was about .015" of lateral movement in the carrier bearings and the counter shaft nut was finger tight. The gear box was not real noisy but there was a noticeable clunk when I changed directions. It has all new bearings now but I just want to make sure this mesh pattern is in the ball park before I start bolting it back together.

[Jim Becker]

A rule of thumb I have found is that if you put in new bearings and are reusing the original everything else, the old shim stack is usually the right answer.

[radioguy41]

I agree with Jim. When just replacing the bearings I have never had to readjust the shim stack.

[BigBill]

reuse the shim pack on the side they were on. First before disassembly I get an indicator and get a backlash measurement. Then change the bearings and the backlash should be a tad less with the new bearings with the old shims.