Contact Pattern Location

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford RV Cutaway, 2004 Ford Econoline, 2004 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2004 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

In general, desirable ring gear tooth patterns must have the following characteristics:

Drive pattern on the drive side ring gear well centered on the tooth.
Coast pattern on the coast side ring gear well centered on the tooth.
Clearance between the pattern and the top of the tooth.
No hard lines where the pressure is high.

Fig 1: Identifying Contact Pattern Location

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Acceptable ring gear tooth patterns for all axles.

Fig 2: Identifying Acceptable Ring Gear Tooth Patterns For All Axles

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Correct backlash with a thinner pinion position shim required.

Fig 3: Correcting Backlash With A Thinner Pinion Position Shim Required

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Correct backlash with a thicker pinion position shim required.

Fig 4: Correcting Backlash With A Thicker Pinion Position Shim Required

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Correct pinion position shim that requires an increase in backlash.

Fig 5: Correcting Pinion Position Shim That Requires An Increase In Backlash

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.