C2 differential questions

[Alan J.]

My '65 differential side yokes each have some axial play. (I have an Eaton posi). I'm guessing that there should be zero play. This true? I don't see anything in my overhaul manuals about testing for play, or for shimming to eliminate it. I'm thinking of replacing the posi clutch pack -- will this help?

I'm also thinking of replacing the front yoke seal while the differential is out, but it doesn't leak now. Any advice? (The seal is 35 years old -- it's got to start leaking sometime...)

Thanks

Alan

[Duke W.]

Re: C2 differential questions

There is no spec in the '63 manual. Not sure about the '65 supplement. I did find a spec in a later Chassis Overhaul Manual - circa '71 I believe. Maybe someone with a seventies vintage Chassis Overhaul (not Service) manual can post it again.

There are three shims available - 5, 7, and 10 thou - to place between the end of the case and the clutch pack, so the range is pretty tight - two to three thou - and I would consider the minimum as preferable because the yoke end play will increase with wear of the clutch pack.

Duke

[George R.]

Re: C2 differential questions

Allen, Call Darrell Shepard, $ speeds by Darrel Shepard.217-275-3743,fax 217-275-275-3515.You may not have to do anything.

He rebuilds rear ends also and can give professional opinion. grr#33570

[Michael W.]

Re: C2 differential questions

Alan,

Some end play is perfectly normal and acceptable. I have seen diffs that had up to 1/8" play and lived very happy and productive lives. Unless you are getting close that kind of number, it may not be worthwhile disturbing things.

The wear usually comes from the ends of the side yolks wearing against the center pin of the carrier. The wear rate accelerates greatly once the case hardening of the side yoke shaft wears through, but this will be visible and obvious if you decide to disassemble yours.

Regarding your front seal, keeping the above in mind, I would tend not to take it apart until there is a real reason to.

[Alan J.]

Re: C2 differential questions

Thanks for the advice! Maybe I'll leave it alone.