Adjustment of the Differential

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003 GMC Envoy XL, 2003 GMC Envoy, and 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Locking Differential Adjustment Procedure

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

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