Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

While cleaning years of accumulated grease and dirt I am embarrassed to say that I removed the ring gear idler locking plate and nut on my 47 Packard Custom Super Clipper differential in error. How do I reset it to the proper position/depth and alignment? I see what I believe to be a factory yellow paint on the plate that probably aligns with the bolt/nut head on the end of the ring gear idler shaft but I do not see the yellow paint on the bolt head. The ring gear idler shaft has exterior thread that thread on to the large locking nut and my question relates to how much of the bolt head on the end of the ring gear idler shaft ring gear idler protrudes beyond the locking plate? I hope this description makes sense. The Service manual (pg 26) explains how to adjust the differential ring gear idler with the differential disassembled but I do not see how to correct my error.
I have reassembled the unit by feel and there appears to be no interior resistance. Does anyone know if there is any chance of damage by reassembly as I have described?
If Ross Miller happens to be online I was told you may have an answer.
thanks,
Merle