Thrust Block Clearance Adjustment
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2012 GMC Yukon XL, 2012 GMC Yukon, 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2012 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Install the locking differential clutch disc thrust washer into the left side or flange-end of the differential case.
- Install the locking differential side gear cam unit and clutch disc assembly into the left side or flange-end of the differential case.
- Install the differential side gear shim into the right side of the differential case.
- Install the locking differential side gear and clutch disc assembly into the right side of the differential case.
- Install the pinion shaft and the bolt.
- Install a brass drift between the left locking differential side gear cam unit and the pinion shaft.
- Press the brass drift in far enough in order to compress the clutch disc assembly and hold the left side gear assembly in place.
- Install a brass drift between the right side locking differential side gear and the pinion shaft.
- Press the brass drift in far enough in order to hold the right side gear assembly in place.
- Using a 25.4-50.8 mm (1-2 in) telescoping gauge, measure the distance between the side gear faces.
- Measure the telescoping gauge with a micrometer and record the measurement.
- Compare the measurement obtained in step 11 to the thrust block sizes available.
- If the measurement obtained in step 11 is not equal to one of the thrust blocks sizes available, then select the thrust block that is smaller than the measurement.
- If the measurement obtained in step 11 is less than 33.578 mm (1.322 in) for the 8.6 inch axle or 40.488 mm (1.622 in) for the 9.5LD axle, then reduce the left side gear thrust washer or the right side gear shim thickness in order to increase the thrust block opening.
- If the measurement obtained in step 11 is greater than 34.290 mm (1.350 in) for the 8.6 inch axle or 41.120 mm (1.622 in) for the 9.5LD axle, then increase the left side gear thrust washer or the right side gear shim thickness in order to decrease the thrust block opening.
- Recheck the left and/or right side gear backlash and adjust as necessary.
- Recheck the thrust block clearance and adjust as necessary.
- Assemble the differential. Refer to Locking Differential Assemble (10.5 Inch Axle) , Locking Differential Assemble (8.6, 9.5LD Axles) .
NOTE:
The left and right side gear backlash measurements must be done before the thrust block measurement can be completed.
NOTE:
Tighten the pinion shaft bolt finger tight.
NOTE:
DO NOT measure the distance between the side gear teeth.
NOTE:
If the measurement is equal to one of the thrust blocks sizes available, then select that thrust block.
NOTE:
For example, if the measurement is 33.833 mm (1.332 in), select the 33.782 mm (1.330 in) thrust block.
NOTE:
The backlash must be rechecked and adjusted to specification anytime the left and/or the right thrust washers are replaced.