In this video I bring you along on my process of setting up the front differential in a typical GM front differential. They are a little different than an old style solid axle but the same principals apply. -Enjoy!
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48 thoughts on “Chevrolet front differential set up: reusing old gears”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Luis Guzman says:

    Do you ever say no to a job? Or is there some jobs you really don't do?

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kakeeto Alex says:

    After a couple of those re-assemblies, the torque specs, gear lag "play" and all such, that requires all your fancy tools sticks with the arms, that's how most of us this side of the world work anyway. But hey, you are good mate, your attention to detail is unequaled.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars cardo says:

    A consciences master tech, taking the time and not skipping any steps ensuring the job is done right ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿฝ

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bill Chmelik says:

    OK, you caught it…lol

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bill Chmelik says:

    Are you going to run a pattern?

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Johnny Mock says:

    iam happy///////////

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars kootnygreen says:

    20 minutes into the video I seen enough. Some things are best left to real mechanics. Definitely not a DIY at home. Great work Eric! I do have one of these Chevys, but you'll often catch me watching one of your repair jobs on a vehicle I don't even own.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars starving artist says:

    Having it toren down and all , why not just put all new bearings in it,unless you're not gonna keep it long ,I think I would have !

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Clint T says:

    Love it! Keep up the good work!

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Luttrell says:

    Outstanding video, I've done a few gear sets in my day, but never on any of the newer front diffs.

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars paul says:

    hey Eric,good video.. when you put the adjuster in you screwed it together and drove it in. When you got the pattern you wanted you torqued both of the adjustors to 50lbs..?Would that tighten up the adjustment on top of what you had???? I am doing the same one right now and need info..thanks

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Baja Joe says:

    Just became a patreon member today. Keep on the good work and stay sane

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Eddie Venman says:

    Learn something new every time I watch …..now I know if Eric can do it (probably 5times quicker ๐Ÿ˜… ) I can do it ..your a wealth of information ..keep it up

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Oscar Jones says:

    These GM IFS can be some of the hardest. You can have proper backlash and โ€œsetting upโ€ but still have gear whine or leaks. Even use American Axle parts. Sometimes the case is just worn in the slightest.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Larry Edwards says:

    Very nice job . I had lots of headaches from Pontic tempest transaxle

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Larry Edwards says:

    Love that Amsoil

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bass Hunter says:

    Differential work is the most difficult aspect of mechanical repair that I have come across! Some gear/transmission shops have one guy that does ring and pinion work, because it is very specialized, close tolerance, bitchy work!

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars pork chop says:

    Awesome video Eric to understand how these new differentials work. I did a differential on a sixties car with all the manual shims was a bear. Nice job

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Victor Bellan says:

    Very informative and labor intensive ! Thanks

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jose Torres says:

    ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ’ฏ good work ๐Ÿ‘

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! Don Smith says:

    Great Job

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars rvmagnum says:

    I love making my own tools, nice job.

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nunya Biz says:

    Happy Happy๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ‘

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Willard Williamson says:

    I would have loved to see you remove the transfer case too ๐Ÿ™‚

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Swanie_64 says:

    It's always a pleasure to watch you work, your commentary always makes me laugh. Say hello to the lovely Mrs O and your kidlens, from Ken in beatifull Durham ( West Grey) Ontario, Canada …Cheers…!!

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kevin Renn says:

    I didn't understand the side to side adjustment until you showed the wear pattern on the gears, then the light came on. Thanks for doing what you do!

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Robins says:

    Another interesting video of a job we don't often see. Thank you for taking the time and effort to make this well done video.

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Garybonz says:

    I always grease the crush sleeve just for grins.

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steve Schilling says:

    gm crappy design this happens all the time loose carrier.

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steve Schilling says:

    ๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿคฃ just hammer it in it will be ok i do it all the time

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Richard Hite says:

    Mr O
    When you check your pre-load, you need to do it without the seal in place cause it adds drag
    Doing this job is definitely a PITA !

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jean-Michel B says:

    tssss that bearing look brand new, what are you talkin about.. :S

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Scott Sinclair says:

    nice work, I'm doing one as we speak and your right on your setup, sweet

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mr D says:

    what…. no brake clean?

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Johnny Sechrist says:

    Store pipe dope upside down and it'll last forever.

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Johnny Sechrist says:

    I use 70% alcohol for surface prep.

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Camaro Drag Racing Second Generation says:

    That's the same thing that happened too mine today tab broke off can't find any of course great video though.

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Brian Kanouse says:

    Trying to decide if I like the pinion shims or the adjustments that are required. GM engineers?

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars claymore cluepile says:

    its strange….when i watch the youtube channel 'pakistani trucking' they rebuild these humungus truck differentials outside on the ground in sandals and they never ever use a torque wrench on anything or consult any papers or manuals……they wail on everything with old fashioned hand wrenches and put the differential back together in a couple hours….it all looks ok but of course nobody ever gives any followup…..everything is done about the same way but all tolerances and fitments are by guess and by God and by experience.

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sprnklrmn says:

    Getting ready to drop new gears do my โ€˜98. This will be my first front diff. Hopefully what I learned here will get me thru it. Love your videos, brother.

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jose Peixoto says:

    Jeesas,man,you know everything? even how to set up diffs?

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Raymond Jones says:

    Awesome video Eric!!…I'm just trying this as an experiment..I've got an 7.4 liter Chevy 3500..it keeps burning up distributer caps..any ideas on that..it's killing me!!๐Ÿ˜ณ๐Ÿ˜ณ

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jay Dee says:

    I thought someone was in there before you and mixed up the bad bearing and race. But who would stick chewed up parts back in the unit?

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Johnny Sechrist says:

    Remember Chevy wants to sell more parts so I set them a tad looser than the specs.

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike Stevens says:

    Eric,
    Where does GM say to measure the back lash from? Obviously the reading would be way different closer to the center of the yoke versus way out by the ears of the yoke.
    Thanks,
    Mike

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Alan Hall says:

    Another better late than never comment: I've never witnessed this kind of work done myself so this very interesting to me. I certainly had no idea there was so much involved making these kinds of repairs. Super interesting. I would like to see more of this kind of video. As always, Take Care, ASH

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars starving artist says:

    Did u put the crush sleeve in it ?

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ghett SUMM says:

    Of course you realize, that as the differential heats up the tolerances will change slightly. It's better to keep them on the lower end of the scale.

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