differential rebuild question

[Dave-Saratoga 1]

i took apart a "new" model differential (spring-loaded variety) for cleaning & re-greasing. After I reassembled the unit, the differential gear (the inner gear that slides onto the axle) would not drop all the way down to the postion it is supposed to be in. It was held up on top of the inner set of pinion gears. Problem is, I can't move the inner pinion gears to align them with the differential gear, as moving the inner pinion gear causes the outer pinion gear to move. The outer pinion gears have to be lined up to allow the differential gear to pass by. Kinda confusing explaining what I'm trying to say - anyone have any suggestions here as to what I might be doing wrong?

[HubbardRA 19]

Dave, You have sort of confused me. I have had both types of diffs apart, and am not sure what you are really trying to say. The gear that is keyed onto the axle stays on the axle, it is not assembled into the diff first. Make sure that you have all of the gears inside the diff aligned properly. I think there are four of the spider gears on the left side and four on the right. With the axle gear assembled on the axle, then take the assembled diff and slide it against the axle gear and rotate the diff. The gears inside the diff should line up as you rotate the diff and allow the diff to slide onto the axle gear. Line up the bolts to the holes in the torque tube flange, install nuts and tighten. The right hub and gear should then just slide into the diff. Assemble the collar onto the axle and you are done. Be sure that you have pushed the axle toward the left side of the tractor as far as it will go, and pull the torque tube out of the tranny as far as it will move prior to starting the assembly. If you get the diff assembled and the diff appears to be locked up, then PM me and I will help you with that also. Had that problem myself on one. Found out the factory assembly drawing was wrong in one instance. See below, this is correct. Note the positions of the washers relative to the axle gear.

Keep in mind that the right side of this picture is toward the tranny and the left side is where the hub will be assembled. I put one together backward once. If you still have problems, PM me. I have had several of these diffs apart and should be able to help solve your problem

[SmilinSam 3,925]

Confusing, but it sort of sounds like you are trying to silde the differential on the axle completely pre assembled. The gears keyed to the axle and axle tube go on first. Then you slide the pinion assembly onto the back plate which is keyed to the axle tube. That takes care of the inside pinions lining up. Then you slide in the wheel hub with its gear attached and put on the lock collar to hold it all on. Did that make any sense?

[Dave-Saratoga 1]

Hubbard & Sam- sorry about confusing text - coffee must not have kicked in yesterday morning when I wrote the message. using yuor text: With the axle gear assembled on the axle, then take the assembled diff and slide it against the axle gear and rotate the diff. The gears inside the diff should line up as you rotate the diff and allow the diff to slide onto the axle gear. -The problem here is that the gear OD is greater than the ID of the axle tube flange. The gear needs to be inserted into the differential assembly after it has been snugged up against the axle tube. However - Sam says: The gears keyed to the axle and axle tube go on first. Then you slide the pinion assembly onto the back plate which is keyed to the axle tube. That takes care of the inside pinions lining up. - Sam, do you mean that the order of assembly would be: (1) back plate (right-most piece in Hubbard's diagram above, (2) differential gear (#12 in diagram, along with washers), and (3) assemble differential assembly over this? The thing is, before I disassembled the differential, and with the assembly oriented such that the inner flange or back plate is on the bench and the outer opening to the differential (#20, above) is facing up I could drop the differential gear (#12) into the assembly and it would go all the way down to the back plate. Right now, it passes through the outer pinion (or spider) gears and stops at the inner pinion gears. There does not appear to be a way to align them so that the differential gear passes through. Any clearer?

[HubbardRA 19]

Dave, The right-most flange in my diagram needs to be assembled onto the axle tube. I put the bolts in from the other side of the diff and assemble with the nuts behind this flange. That way I can keep the diff as an assembly and slide the bolts thru the flange. You are correct that the gear will not go thru the hole in the tube flange (right-most part), but it will fit thru the hole in the side of the housing (part #11). To say it again, hopefully clearer: 1). Put the flange (right-most part) onto the drive tube. 2). Put the gear onto the axle with spacers and snap ring (parts #10,13,14,15) . 3). Slide the assembled diff with large bolts thru it, but no nuts, onto this gear and rotate to align the spider gears. Remember the bolts that hold the spider gears in the diff should be pointing toward the tranny (opposite of what the picture shows). Put the nuts on the back side of the flange. 4). Insert right side hub and lock with collar. Remember that the axle should be flush or slightly inside the collar. If it sticks out much at all, then pull the axle toward the left side of the tractor to remove any slack in the internal assembly. The snap ring on the axle will seat against the gear when this is done. Loosten the left side collar and push against tranny housing. Then re-install the right side hub and the axle should sit flush with the collar. Be sure that there is no left-right axle movement because this can affect diff operation and even cause premature failure. Hope this helps. I have had enough problem with these units when I tried to follow the diagrams myself that I came up with a few changes that made it easier for me.