Project: Installing Ladder Bars
Clutch-Type Differentials
Project: Rebuilding a Clutch-Type Limited-Slip Differential
Axle Assembly Continues
Chapter 5: Gears
Determine Gear Ratio
Gear Selection
Ring Gears and Carrier
Ring Gear Bolts
Bearing Installation
Ring and Pinion Machining
Speedometers
Chapter 6: Axles
Torque Load
Spline Design
Stock versus Aftermarket Axles
Aftermarket Upgrades
Project: Replacing Wheel Studs
Chapter 7: Setup and Installation
Project: Installing an Axle Assembly and Differential
Pinion Depth
Pinion Gear Patterns
Project: Pattern Checking
Project: Setting the Base Pinion Depth
Ring Gear Backlash
Project: Setting the Ring Gear Backlash
Project: Setting Up a Dial Indicator
Preload Adjustments
Complete the Rebuild
Gear Break-In Procedure
Chapter 8: Driveshafts
Choosing a Builder
Power Output Considerations
Carrier Bearings
U-Joint
Mounting Options
Removal Methods
Project: Installing a Driveshaft U-Joint
Snap Rings
Project: Modifying a Stock Driveshaft
Chapter 9: Lockers and Spools
Auto Lockers
Mechanical Locking Differentials
Electronic Locking Differentials
Drop-in Lockers
Spools
Chapter 10: Wheels and Tires
Wheel Fitment
Project: Creating a Wheel Fitment Jig
Project: Measuring for Tire Clearance
Tire Codes
Tire Grading
Tire Use
Tire Construction
Tire Sizing
Tire Storage
Tire Selection
Source Guide
A special thanks goes out to all those who were helpful with this project: Randy’s Ring and Pinion, Strange Engineering, Moser Engineering, Yukon Gear & Axle, Eaton, Mickey Thompson, Global West, RaTech, Summit Racing, Classic Performance Parts, Stainless Steel Brakes Corporation, Royal Purple, Chris Alston’s Chassisworks, Vintage Wheel Works, Pat Mcelreath, Clayton Howard, Chris Franklin, and Charlie Fox.
GM performance differentials are typically divided into the two types: the 10-bolt and the 12-bolt. The reality, however, is much more detailed than that. There are numerous “10-bolt” rear ends, and two “12-bolt” units; each has its own benefits and drawbacks. The purpose of this book is to help you determine which type of housing you have, what you need for your application, and most important, how to rebuild it.
In this book, I cover identification, inspection, parts selection, disassembly, modification, assembly, and proper setup. The key to any rear differential build is in the setup. Gear mesh and pinion depth are crucial to ensure a long life for your new parts.
If you select the wrong parts and gear ratios for your application, you could make things worse. Here, you will find details on how to select the proper gears for your application, including how tires affect the gearing and how power is transferred to forward motion. A chapter is included on drivelines, along with features on brakes so that you have the most accurate information needed to make the right decisions on parts.
This Workbench® Series book is the only book of its kind on the market. No other book offers the same combination of detailed hands-on information and close-up photographs to illustrate rebuilding and modifying. Rest assured, you have purchased an indispensable companion that will expertly guide you, one step at a time, through each important stage of the rebuilding process. This book is packed with real-world techniques and practical tips for expertly performing rebuild procedures, not vague instructions or unnecessary processes. At-home mechanics or enthusiast builders strive for professional results, and the instruction in our Workbench® Series books help you realize pro-caliber results. Hundreds of photos guide you through the entire process from start to finish, with informative captions containing comprehensive instructions for every step of the process.
The step-by-step photo procedures also contain many additional photos that show how to install high-performance components, modify stock components for special applications, or even call attention to assembly steps that are critical to proper operation or safety. These are labeled with unique icons. These symbols represent an idea, and photos marked with the icons contain important, specialized information.
Here are some of the icons found in Workbench® books:
Important!
Calls special attention to a step or procedure, so that the procedure is correctly performed. This prevents damage to a vehicle, system, or component.
Save Money
Illustrates a method or alternate method of performing a rebuild step that will save money but still give acceptable results.
Torque Fasteners
Illustrates a fastener that must be properly tightened with a torque wrench at this point in the rebuild. The torque specs are usually provided in the step.