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2003 Chevrolet Corvette Restoration Kit
The function of the clamps is as follows:
Provide a leak proof connection at both the housing and the axle shaft for the inboard and outboard joints.
The thermoplastic material performs well against normal handing, operational wear and conditions. This
material however, is not strong enough to withstand abusive handling or damage due to objects such as
sharp tools or the sharp edge of any other surrounding component on the vehicle.
Inner Joint.
The inner jOints are of the enhanced double offset design. The inner joints use a female spline which is
installed over a stub shaft protruding from the rear axle differential.
Outer Joint
The outer joints are of the Rzeppa joint design. The splined shaft end which mates with the knuckle and
hub assembly, incorporates a helical spline to assure
a
tight, press-type fit. This design assures that no
end play will exist between the hub bearing and the drive shaft assembly for added durability and reduced
bearing noise.
Rear Drive Axle Description and Operation
The vehicle is powered by either the LS1 or LS6 5.7 liter V-8 engine, VIN G or S. Motion is transferred
from the engine crankshaftlflywheel through the drivelinesupport, propeller shaft, assembly to either the
4L60-E (M30) automatic transmission or the ZF (MM6) 6-speed manual transmission. The splined output
shaft of the transmission drives the pinion, which in turn, rotates the ring gear and differential case
assembly. The limited slip differential distributes torque/power to the rear wheels via individual axle shaft
assemblies. The limited-slip differential is of a conventional separator plate and friction disc type design.
The differential housing, side covers, pinion housing, and differential case halves are constructed of cast
aluminum. The internal components incorporate a hypoid gear set, ring and pinion, carrier assembly, and
pinion housing assembly. The pinion issupported in a pinion housing by tapered roller bearings. The
pinion is positioned rearward of the ring gear centerline.
Pinion position,ring gear position, and carrier bearing preload are determined by shimming procedures.
All models have a 7 5/8 inch ring gear. Each ring gear has specific setup dimensions, A1 and A2 values,
stamped onto the side area of the gear. The A 1 and A2 values are unique to each ring gear/pinion and
are determined during the manufacturers gear/pinion noise and vibration setup and testing. The vehicle
speed sensor reluctor ring is incorporated into the outside area of the ring gear. The vehicle speed sensor
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