10 bolt front differential question

[DonA]

I had to drop the gear from my 10 bolt front differential ('86 K10) to replace the inner axle seals.

Is it critical that the gear goes back in exactly as it was in relation to the pinion?

Or is it OK in a random position as long as I get free rotation?

 

[Strick]

Should be good as long as the shims for the carrier spacing go back how they came out.

 

[CalSgt]

Exact position...

As @Strick says so long as the shims go back where they came from you should be good so long as the gear set appears to be wearing correctly, keeping the shims correct will result in it being reinstalled in the exact position as before disassembly.

The shims do more than just move the carrier left/right, they also set the bearing preload

If for some reason you lose track of which shims were in each side, its a good idea to check backlash and pattern. If you lost the shims you're in for a job figuring out what to replace them with.

 

[DonA]

Ok, thanks.

I was religious about marking left/right on the shims and carriers, so I should be good.

I appreciate it.

 

[Ricko1966]

Ok, thanks.

I was religious about marking left/right on the shims and carriers, so I should be good.

I appreciate it.

Measure thicknesses now,write them down,there's a chance you'll break one going back together without a spreader for the case. Also wouldn't hurt as back up in case you some how mix them up.

 

[Old Guy Bill]

It would’ve helped to have checked the backlash before removing the carrier also…..

 

[77Dmax]

I believe you are asking whether or not the pinion and ring gear need to be clocked in the way they came apart?

If so, then no. Just make sure the shims go back in the same places.

 

[bucket]

I believe you are asking whether or not the pinion and ring gear need to be clocked in the way they came apart?

If so, then no. Just make sure the shims go back in the same places.

That's what I read too. But yep, it's not like its a timing set or anything where you have to line up the dots.