Gear Tooth Contact Pattern

NOTE: Drive pattern should be well centered on ring gear teeth. Coast pattern should be centered but may be slightly toward toe of ring gear teeth.

Paint ring gear teeth with gear marking compound. Apply some form of load to differential case to resist rotation. Rotate pinion gear until ring gear has made 1 full revolution. Turn pinion gear in opposite direction to complete 1 full revolution of ring gear. Examine ring gear teeth for contact pattern. Correct as necessary by moving appropriate shims.