It has yet to be proven what exactly could be deflecting with a 8.75. I am not convinced the ring is not also a contributor here.
I agree, deflection of both undoubtedly contributes to gear tooth failure and the avalanche that follows. I believe that, under severe stress, the carrier bearing preload disappears and allows the ring gear to be deflected enough to lose the contact patch.
Does it matter what is deflecting? Once either or both deflect it is all over.
It matters in the context of the original post. Ring gear deflection is not dependent on it being a 741,2 or 489.
