69 crush sleeve source

[Greg L.]

I need a crush sleeve for my diff...I was going to reuse the old one but, well, to make a long story short...I need a new one now. Problem is that I can't seem to be able to find one.

My parts book shows that it should be a 3954483 which is for 66-73. It might work in later applications but my parts book only goes to 73. It also lists a 3886318 A.R. for use with a 12 bolt cover which I think is just a shim/spacer. Not sure what that is all about because I thought all the covers were 8 bolt. My problem is that GM says that it is discontinued and the parts places that I phoned today don't have a listing for 69. I tried the main driveline place in town here and they don't have a listing either but think that they may be able to make one work.

I would like to just get the proper one and be done with it so if I get any help on locating one I'd really appreciate it. Part numbers, sources...anything.... I can't believe this little crush sleeve is so hard to find.

Thanks

Greg Linton
#45455

[Robert S.]

Re: 69 crush sleeve source

You might give these guys a try...

West Coast Differentials
2429 Mercantile Drive Suite A
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742

916-635-0950
800-510-0950




West Coast Differentials

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 crush sleeve source

Greg-----

The GM #3954483 is discontinued and I can't find any supercessive part number for it, although it's possible that there is one. However, as Bob mentioned, you should be able to get one of these from differential rebuilding services. Besides the one that Bob mentioned, you could also try Tom's Differential (www.tomsdifferentials.com) or Charlie's Speed Shop in Champaign, IL.

[Greg L.]

Re: 69 crush sleeve source

Thanks guys. Those places you mentioned will work if they ship to Canada.

I phoned around a bit again today to see if I could get one localy because I would like to get this diff together this weekend. The common question was what kind of diff is it? I said that I didn't know other than it was the original one and has 10 bolts for the ring gear... Seems that GM had different sizes of 10 bolts(8.2", 8.5", etc) and that was what they wanted to know.

Is there any way to classify or group these internals with other GM cars to make it easier to find this sleeve or are the internals corvette specific like the housing is?

[Gary R.]

Re: 69 crush sleeve source

I sold the last Gm one I had a month ago for $5. They are better then the aftermarket sleeves and take more effort to "crush". If you have the diff out I would go with a solid sleeve and save the effort at the next seal replacement. You have to fit them similar to setting up rear bearings but I use them in a lot of vette differentials and they work well.

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 crush sleeve source

Greg-----

The spacer is unique to Corvette differential units. Nevertheless, it's hard to believe that these things would not be available in the aftermarket.

[Greg L.]

Re: 69 crush sleeve source

Well my local search is over....there is none in town! I really find it hard to believe but after talking to THE "rear end place" and THE "Corvette place" as well as the local jobber places like Auto Value and Napa and they all say that they can't get them...I give up. Actually Napa said they could get one but it was almost $50 so either they are way out of line or they are thinking of something else.

Anyways, I'm going to order a couple from one of the places that you guys suggested. I won't have the diff together this weekend but there isn't much I can do about it. The spacer sounds interesting but I just went through shimming my rear wheel bearings...got them well within spec but it took me for ever! For my situation I think it would be best to just get the original crush sleeve and use it.

[Gary R.]

Re: 69 crush sleeve source

The one you get will probably be made by Ratech. They are good and I have used them in a lot rebuilds. Just be careful as they do crush faster then the old GM sleeves. That GM # was good until recently as I used to get them for just a couple of bucks each.

[Yves Thaens]

Re: 69 crush sleeve source

Hi Greg,

You can still buy the crush sleeve from Corvette America. Their partnumber is 41002.

Good Luck.