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Home >> Chevrolet >> 2002 >> Blazer 4D Utility, 4WD, Part Time >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1050 (Drive Axle - Locking/Limited Slip) >> Repair Instructions >> Locking Differential Adjustment (8.6 Inch Axle) >> Left Side Gear Backlash Adjustment

Left Side Gear Backlash Adjustment

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 GMC Sierra, 2004 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2004 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Install the new locking differential clutch disc thrust washer into the left side or flange-end of the differential case.
    2. Fig 1: View Of Left Side Gear Thrust Washer
    GM790754Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  2. Install the locking differential side gear cam unit and clutch disc assembly into the left side or flange-end of the differential case.
    3. Fig 2: View Of Left Side Gear Cam Unit & Clutch Disc Assembly
    GM790759Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  3. Install the differential pinion gears with the differential pinion gear thrust washers into the differential case.

    Align the openings of the differential pinion gears and the differential pinion gear thrust washer to the pinion shaft opening in the differential case.

  4. Install the pinion shaft. It may be necessary to press down on the locking differential side gear cam unit in order to align the pinion gear shaft opening with the pinion shaft opening in the differential case.

    If the pinion shaft cannot be installed after pressing on the locking differential side gear cam unit, replace the locking differential clutch disc gear thrust washer with a thinner washer.

    5. NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
  5. Install the pinion shaft lock bolt.

    Tighten:  Tighten the pinion shaft lock bolt finger tight.

  6. Rotate the pinion gear closest to the lock bolt so that one of the teeth is pointing downward, perpendicular to the ring gear flange.
  7. Install a brass drift between the locking differential side gear cam unit and the pinion shaft.

    Press the brass drift in far enough in order to compress the clutch discs.

  8. Measure the backlash of the differential pinion gear and the locking differential side gear cam unit by doing the following:
    1. Install the J 7872  (1) to the ring gear flange.
    2. Loosely clamp the J 8001-3 (2) onto the stem on the J 7872  (1).
    3. Place the contact pad of the J 8001-3 on one of the teeth of the pinion gear closest to the pinion shaft lock bolt.

      Turn the dial of the J 8001-3 until the needle and the dial face indicate ZERO.

    4. Tighten the lock nut of the J 8001-3 finger tight.
    5. Pull the pinion gear firmly into the differential case seat.
    6. Rotate the pinion gear back and forth.
    7. Measure the backlash.

      Specification:  The backlash between the differential pinion gear and the locking differential side gear cam unit should be 0.254-0.406 mm (0.010-0.016 in).

      8. Fig 3: Measuring Backlash Of Differential Pinion Gear & Side Gear
      GM790348Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  9. If the backlash is too large, install a thicker locking differential clutch disc thrust washer and recheck the backlash.
  10. If the backlash is too small, install a thinner locking differential clutch disc thrust washer and recheck the backlash.

Locking differential clutch disc thrust washers are available in the following sizes:

Washer Sizes: 

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