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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 66 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 66 | I'm "rebuilding" my '52 3100 stock rear end and inspecting all parts. Concerning the differential gears, does anyone know how much play is acceptable in the gears? The ID of the pinion (spider) gears is .817 and the new shaft is .808. There is similar play between the side gears and the diff carrier. It just seems like it should be a little tighter. Does anyone have info on manufacturing tolerances?
Dave Evans
52_3100 | | | | | Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 1,400 ODSS Lawman | | ODSS Lawman Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 1,400 | Yes. Typically with lash should be between .008 and .012 You are going to need a dial indicator to check this. More importantly the first signs of wear in an existing rear end is the pinion bearing. You can't see these as they are behind the carrier. Look for "chew marks" on the carrier like this photo: CHEW MARKS
SWEET Sergeant At Arms: Old Dominion Stovebolt Society BUNS?!?!?!Where we're going, we don't need no buns.....1950 GMC 450 1951 Chevy 1/2-TonThe GreenMachineIn the Stovebolt Gallery | | | | | Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 66 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 66 |
Thanks, but just to clarify--the .008-.012 is normal clearance between gears and shaft, or gear lash (between spiders and side gears)?
No damage like the chew marks in the rear end. Just normal wear. I'm also replacing ring & pinion with the Patrick's 3.55 set, along with all new bearings.
Dave
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,775 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 1,775 | If you go to www.superioraxlegear.com they pretty much have all the tolerances for any differential in their tech section. They don't have the HO52, but they do have the HO72 listed. Should be the same. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 1,400 ODSS Lawman | | ODSS Lawman Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 1,400 | Well follow the directions with Patrick's kit and you will be good to go!!
SWEET Sergeant At Arms: Old Dominion Stovebolt Society BUNS?!?!?!Where we're going, we don't need no buns.....1950 GMC 450 1951 Chevy 1/2-TonThe GreenMachineIn the Stovebolt Gallery | | | | | Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 66 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 66 | | | | | | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,112 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 9,112 | As I understand, the kit does not include the differential side gears and spider or pinion gears, correct? The clearance you mentioned is a little on the high side. The quoted clearance was for the lash, not what you were saking about. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 66 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 66 | Correct. No differential gears in the kit. I think that they're pretty scarce NOS too. The instructions in the kit really doesn't address the condition of the diff gears, just reassembly. I think that I'll go ahead and reassemble the way it is,and keep a lookout for NOS replacements.
Dave | | |
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