differentials??

[doberman_52]

I am repairing a 1958 gmc and need to learn how to set up the differential, i am looking for a site that will tell me about the back lash etc and how to swap ring and pinion gears, i am going from 4.56 to 3.08 or so and need to know how to do it, any help would be appreciated

[doberman_52]

Anyone?

[curtis73]

Did you google it? Do you know what rear axle it is?

[doberman_52]

Yeah, i didn't find anything about the backlash settings or other stuff, I found somthing telling me about it, I'd take it to a professional but $ kind of an issue with this and I would like to learn my self, with the axel what are you talking about, the ratio 4.56 and I can find out anything else

[curtis73]

There are countless axle possibilities. If its the stock axle, you can find out what were available in a 53 GMC. I'm not sure what they were. If its been replaced, there are probably a hundred different types from ford 8.8", ford 9", GM 7.5, 8.5, 12 bolt, 10 bolt, 14 bolt with 9.5 or 10.5" ring gears. The list is dizzying and they all have different setup procedures just like buiding a Ford engine is different from building a Dodge engine.

[doberman_52]

Yeah, I know there is a lot of possibilities, i should be finding out what type of differential it is soon (hopefully), all I know is that it is a dana/spicer, has been replaced about 8 to 15 years ago, is a 4.56 axel ratio, thats about it, but I need to know how to do the swap, Ive never done one and I don't think my grandpa has either, i just need to talk to a guy to find out what type it is

[KiwiBacon]

Here's a generic picture which should help you get the contact patch right.

You'll need a tube of bearing blue.

[doberman_52]

Ive seen some of that but not all, i just need to get thr diff of of the truck, that might be a month now too, which sucks, but oh well, soon

[doberman_52]

OK, ive ben looking at this site: http://differentials.com/install.html, but im still not quite sure about it, I think I might acctually need pictures, but im not sure, i also need a diagram that tells me the parts, when i change the ring and pinionn, is there anything else i should do or change at the same time

[KiwiBacon]

Originally Posted by doberman_52

OK, ive ben looking at this site: http://differentials.com/install.html, but im still ot quite sure about it, I think I might acctually need pictures, but im not sure, i also need a diagram that tells me the parts, when i change the ring and pinionn, is there anything else i should do or change at the same time

Change all the oil seals and the bearings if you can.

[doberman_52]

Originally Posted by KiwiBacon

Change all the oil seals and the bearings if you can.

How about the shims?

[KiwiBacon]

Originally Posted by doberman_52

How about the shims?

I'm only offering generic advice, I don't know about any shims.

[UncleBob]

there's not a whole lot to it. You pull the carrier assembly, swap out the ring and pinion, take an educated guess on the shims (start with the stock ones that you pulled out) and see how close it is.

If you need to change around the carrier shims, its no biggy, but the pinion shims are much harder, since it requires removing/reinstalling the pinion bearing. But honestly, most of the time, you don't have to do anything other than using the shims that came out of the orginal setup. They are usually pretty close to spot on.

[doberman_52]

Is there any place where I could find a diagram to show me where all the parts are at and the names? I know most of them, but not all. Thanks.

[534BC]

There should be a specific manual for your diff that explains all the generic and specific info on setting it up. Seems kinda old, but some looking will turn up a manual.