Adjustment of the Differential

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2004 GMC Envoy XUV, 2004 GMC Envoy XL, 2004 GMC Envoy, and 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: If it is necessary to replace the left side gear (cam unit) and disc assembly, the right side gear and disc assembly, or the thrust block, the entire differential must be adjusted. The differential is adjusted using selective thickness thrust washers between the clutch pack assemblies and the case and/or different selective thickness thrust blocks.

When adjusting the differential, note the following:

Build up the clutch disc packs properly.
Proper clearance between parts is critical to the operation of the unit.
Adjust the backlash and thrust block clearance in the following order:
1. The left side gear backlash
2. The right side gear backlash
3. The thrust block clearance