I am installing an AAM rear end cover. The instructions say to measure backlash at 4 points on the ring gear before removing the diff in order to grind the oil return passages . I have never had a differential apart before. Where do I take the measurement from? I thought it should be directly from the face of the ring gear teeth. Would soumeone verify this or let me know if this is right? Thanks, Rob.

 

The face of teeth, near the outer edge. You want to see how far the gear moves before the other side of the tooth contacts a pinion tooth. The reason you measure a few spots is in case the teeth don't all have the same clearance. Use a dial indicator stuck to the housing.

 

Great, that's what I thought, but it pays to make sure. Thanks for the reply, Rob.