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Diff end play on '64

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Old Jul 14, 2012 | 04:37 PM
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From: N'Awlins
Default Diff end play on '64

The end play on my '64 differential is 0.030" on Right side and 0.037" on Left side. What is the maximum end play allowed? Is there a way to shim, how?

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Old Jul 14, 2012 | 04:49 PM
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Originally Posted by 40ZR1
The end play on my '64 differential is 0.030" on Right side and 0.037" on Left side. What is the maximum end play allowed? Is there a way to shim, how?

Thanks
CJ
No problem if it is not more than that.
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Old Jul 15, 2012 | 08:31 PM
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Are you talking about axle shaft end play?
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Old Jul 15, 2012 | 09:20 PM
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Back in the day, I used to do some machining to the grooves in the stub shafts that protrude from the differential and add additional retaining rings.

First, I would calculate the end play that I wanted. Then I would increase the width of the retaining ring groove so it would take an additional retaining ring. The new, wider groove would also be offset the proper amount to result in the desired end play when reassembled with the two retaining rings.

JDB
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Old Jul 15, 2012 | 10:17 PM
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I've been told that they should be replaced before .060 end play, but I've never seen any GM specs stating it.
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Old Jul 16, 2012 | 09:59 AM
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From: N'Awlins
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Originally Posted by Dan Hampton
Are you talking about axle shaft end play?
Yes, axle shaft end play is what I was trying to describe. Should I be concerned with that much end play? How much is too much?

On another note, I have a '76 center section but I notice that the pinion shaft u-joint is larger than the '64 u-joint. Can I replace the u-joint holder for the '76 with the '64. (please make allowances for my lack of technical terminology) Any insight and/or pitfalls greatly appreciated.

Thanks
CJ
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Old Jul 16, 2012 | 10:14 AM
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There is no OEM specified limit on side yolk end play. Without getting into another huge argument- there's a large percentage of C2/C3 cars knowingly and unknowingly running around with far more clearance than you've got and don't have any problems.
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Old Jul 16, 2012 | 11:14 AM
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Originally Posted by 40ZR1
Yes, axle shaft end play is what I was trying to describe. Should I be concerned with that much end play? How much is too much?

On another note, I have a '76 center section but I notice that the pinion shaft u-joint is larger than the '64 u-joint. Can I replace the u-joint holder for the '76 with the '64. (please make allowances for my lack of technical terminology) Any insight and/or pitfalls greatly appreciated.

Thanks
CJ
Rather than doing that, just use a Spicer conversion u-joint which joins the wider 1330 universal joint to the 1310. As far as strength, the 1310s were used with big blocks in the late '60s, so you'll be fine.

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Old Jul 16, 2012 | 11:50 AM
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Originally Posted by Mike Ward
There is no OEM specified limit on side yolk end play. Without getting into another huge argument- there's a large percentage of C2/C3 cars knowingly and unknowingly running around with far more clearance than you've got and don't have any problems.

I drove one for a long time with a LOT more than that and didn't change it until the nut on the u-joint starting bumping the axle housing occasionally in a turn under acceleration. I wouldn't do it now, but nothing bad happened then.
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Old Jul 16, 2012 | 09:59 PM
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Thanks for the advice, guys. So, it looks like I'm good to go with whichever diff I can use and be OK. I'm going to pull the back covers of both for inspection and use the one I thinks is best and what gear ratio.
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