RE: [Chrysler300] Rear Axle end play shims

Hi Dave,

No, these look like small roof nails, about 3/16 stem, about 3/8 head (guess) ; they fit into holes drilled in center of “thrust block” in middle of differential( see shop drawing in book); they make a bearing for the end of axle , when it pushes inwards (the two axles do not always turn same speed); when you adjust shim pack, you push axle against this nail head , through wheel bearing/shim , and thrust block ,(can move sideways) to other axle ; both axles can move side to side, I think it is .013 free play. Or else timkens are not opposed and set up right, supposed to be like front wheel bearing. . So you set this up from one side.

You pull an axle, the head of the nail momentarily sticks to end, pulls it out of its hole, as you move axle out away from block ,it then drops off . when you put back , you are missing maybe .100 of stuff, you cannot get lash out ; guys remove all the shims, find it still not right .Cannot be reduced enough to work to the .013, even with no shims at all. So if not aware of all this, they button it up with no shims, you are screwed very shortly. Axles loose side to side, will move up and down too.

You can see them if you shine a light down axle tube with axle out. If you see a small hole instead in a rectangular metal block they are gone ; some of them have I think holes in them (in the head) too, but you then see “head of nail” with hole in it (that tiny hole is how you can replace them on end of weld wire ,if patient and steady hand).

From: Dave Dumais [mailto:dave.dumais@xxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Tuesday, May 05, 2015 3:01 PM
To: jkg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: RE: [Chrysler300] Rear Axle end play shims

John,

Are you referring to the keys located in the tapered end of axle, in the groove?

Dave and the 4spd K