As discussed in detail last month, there are many situations where a different height carrier case is needed when making a gear ratio change. Included here is a list of carrier breaks for most popular rearends. Many of these have thick or thin ring & pinion sets available to eliminate the need for changing carriers. Rearends with those options available for some ratios are indicated in the...
Standard Carriers, Positraction & Limited Slips, Locking Differentials, Spools and Mini-Spools As an opening note, for all situations except factory OEM electric lockers, a standard open carrier can be replaced with a limited slip or locker. Likewise, a locker or limited slip can be replaced with a standard open carrier. Limited slips and lockers can be interchanged. And of course, a...
Over the years I have heard a lot of myths regarding the setup and design of differentials. Anyone with a little experience can fix a diff. I have heard time and time again that the following situations make a person a qualified differential expert: 1. They are an old-timer, a grizzled guy with stained overalls. 2. They are a machinist. 3. They are in a four-wheel drive club. 4....
Typically, steel is rated by the SAE or the ASM according to its particular elements. Proven and standardized “recipes” are issued a four-digit number. The first two signify the steel group, i.e. carbon steel, nickel-chromium-molybdenum steel, etc. The second two indicate the carbon content in hundredths of a percent, which is variable according to end use. 10XX, 11XX, 12XX, 15XX = The...
A demonstration on how to properly measure a semi-float rear axle shaft. How to identify ring & pinion gear ratio.
It may sound silly, but there are many things to consider and lots of data to collect prior to picking up the phone to find rearend parts. Unlike engine or suspension parts, rearend parts are not easy to look up, and can vary greatly on any vehicle make/model. Just because it has a specific engine size or transmission type does not mean that the vehicle uses one specific gear ratio. Vehicle...
Setting up a differential involves a lot of measuring, disassembly, reassembly, adjusting, and re-measuring. Aside from the tools needed to assemble and disassemble a differential, a good mechanic needs the right tools for making accurate measurements. Having the right tools makes the job far easier, while the wrong tools can make the job miserable, if not impossible. When working on a...
Many things can go wrong inside a differential. Although the hints are often subtle, most impending failures give fair warning in the form of noise. Read this article in Español Several situations can create ring-and-pinion noise. If the gears have been quiet and begin to howl, they are probably worn or wearing. If the gears howl during deceleration only, it’s...
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