The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Carrier caps

Ok so what is the worst thing that could or will happen if someone may have mixed up the caps from one truck to a different truck. I Really hate to admit this but I am just not sure! I What about factory dimples or markings. I have a spare torque tube in a different truck. And after all these years who's to say that that set is correct.

Shade Baby

Since the caps in the differential hold bearing races, it's not as critical as an engine bearing cap holding separate bearing shells. When they are bolted down, there should be no step at the parting line and inside diameter should be slightly smaller than the bearing race outer diameter. All the ones I have pulled over the years were never marked, I doubt the older ones were marked either. If the cap bolts down tight and holds the race tight with out cracking, you are probably safe to continue. Look close at the surface finish where it was honed, the housing and cap should have a continuous finish all around, it very unlikely a different cab will have the same finish on the inside, use a magnifier to really get a close look. Same where they bolt down, look for staining on both the housing and cap.

I'd suggest bolting the caps onto the carrier, and using an inside micrometer to measure the area where the bearing cups are retained. You can use the cap/carrier assembly that's the closest to being round. Also make sure that the threads on the carrier bearing preload adjusting nuts align properly.
Jerry

Thank you
Shade Baby