Abstract: An adjustment collar for a positioning a ring gear to a differential case. The ring gear is splined to the differential case so as to allow axial displacement. The adjustment collar is threaded onto the differential case adjacent to the ring gear. The adjustment collar is rotated to axially position the adjustment collar, and consequently the ring gear relative to the differential case and axle assembly. The adjustment collar and ring gear are bolted to one another to prevent relative rotation there between. Because the ring gear is splined to the differential case, relative rotation between the ring gear and differential case, and consequently the adjustment collar and the differential case, is prevented. Because the ring gear and adjustment collar are locked to one another, the two components are thus prevented from both axial and rotational movement.

Abstract: This transmnission differential of the type comprising a two-piece differential case defined by a cup-shaped case member and a side member integrally formed with a ring gear to thereby increase the strength of the ring gear and case. The side member is bolted onto the cup-shaped case member. The pinion gears of this invention are not formed with a spherical portion at its interface with the case because the present invention provides a novel design that does not require the spherical radii because the two-piece case can easily be assembled with resort to these additional machining requirements. The pinion shaft is secured against rotation by a pin trapped in a bore formed in the case when the ring gear side member is mounted to the cup-shaped case member. Because the cup-shaped case member is formed with a flat mating surface, the present invention does not require eyebrows formed into the case for drilling points where the bolt is received in the case.

Abstract: The drive axles of a motor vehicle differential assembly are secured within the central bores provided in the side gears of the differential assembly by a spherical retention means which preferably is a metal ball that is securely held within a spherically-hollowed region created through the communication of a spherical bore provided in the splined end portions of the drive axles and a spherically-walled end portion of an elongated cavity provided in the splined central bores of the side gears. The spherically-walled end portion communicates with a cylindrically-walled region of the elongated cavity that facilitates insertion of the retention means into the elongated cavity.