Rear Axle - Chevrolet LIGHT DUTY TRUCK (SERIES 10-35) Service Manual

procedure of components in this portion of the manual as indicated at
appropriate locations by the terminology "See Caution on Page 1 of this
Section".
could affect the performance of vital components and systems, and/or
could result in major repair expense. It must be replaced with one of the
same part number or with an equivalent part if replacement becomes
necessary. Do not use a replacement part of lesser quality or substitute
design. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to
assure proper retention of this part.
General Description...................................................................... 4B -1
Differential Diagnosis.................................................................... 4B-7
General Diagnostic Procedure................................................ .
On Vehicle Service......................................................................... 4B-13
Chevrolet 10-1/2" Ring G ear..................................................... 4B-17
Chevrolet 12-1/4" Ring G ear..................................................... 4B-20
Specifications................................................................................. 4B-24
Special Tools ............................................. ............ ........ - ............. 4B-26
A differential is an arrangement of gears that divides
the torque between the axle shafts and allows them to rotate
at different speeds. A basic differential consists of a set of
four gears. Two of these gears are called differential side
gears, and the other two are differential pinion gears. Some
differentials have more than two pinion gears. Each side
gear is splined to an axle shaft. Consequently, each axle
shaft must turn when its side gear rotates.
The differential pinion gears are mounted on a
differential pinion shaft, and the gears are free to rotate on
this shaft. The pinion shaft is fitted into a bore in the
differential case and is at right angles to the axle shafts.
Power flow through the differential is as follows: The
drive pinion roates the ring gear. The ring gear, being bolted
to the differential case, rotates the case. The differential
pinion, as it rotates with the case, forces the pinion gears
against the side gears. When both wheels have equal
traction, the pinion gears do not rotate on the pinion shaft
because the input force on the pinion gear is equally divided
between the two side gears. See figure 4B-1. Consequently,
the pinion gears revolve with the pinion shaft, but do not
rotate around the shaft itself. The side gears, being splined
to the axle shafts and in mesh with the pinion gears, rotate
the axle shafts.
SECTION 4B

REAR AXLE

The following caution applies to one or more steps in the assembly
This fastener is an important attaching part in that it
C A U T IO N :
CONTENTS
Differential and Rear Axle Bearing Diagnosis........................... 4B-11
8-1/2" and 8-7/8" Ring Gear..................................................... 4B-13
Dana 10-1/2" Ring Gear............................................................ 4B-20
Dana 9-3/4"Ring Gear......... ...................................................... 4B-20
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
If a vehicle were always driven in a straight line, the
ring and pinion gears would be sufficient. The axle shaft
could then be solidly attached to the ring gear and both
driving wheels would turn at equal speeds.
REAR AXLE 4B-1
4B-7
LIGH T T R U CK SER V IC E MANUAL