82 C3 Differential Rebuild
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: Mandeville LA
82 C3 Differential Rebuild
Have my 1982 differential on the bench. When I opened it up, the clutch spacer had spun and the tab of the shim was offset by about a 1/4 inch and clip was severed, with part of it wedged into the side away from moving parts. Bought new clips and am putting it back together.
My question:
The original clutch packs looked good so I decided to reuse them When putting back the originals with new clips, the fit is very tight. To the point where it was difficult to get the gears in and I cannot turn the gears by hand or with a lever. I am thinking the PO rebuilt it incorrectly. I would like to go to a thinner spacer per Tom Eaton's video where I can get gear movement. I can't find the spacers on line. Are those special order? Or am I missing them on line?
My question:
The original clutch packs looked good so I decided to reuse them When putting back the originals with new clips, the fit is very tight. To the point where it was difficult to get the gears in and I cannot turn the gears by hand or with a lever. I am thinking the PO rebuilt it incorrectly. I would like to go to a thinner spacer per Tom Eaton's video where I can get gear movement. I can't find the spacers on line. Are those special order? Or am I missing them on line?
Last edited by emwolb01; Mar 1, 2014 at 09:22 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,995
Likes: 110
From: Garland Texas
Dana 44's do not use spacers, just a Belleville spring plate. Removing the plate and using shims to add clearance will prematurely wear out the clutches. The fact that you were able to re-install the clutches without certain tools tells me your clutches are worn out.
The 80-82 Corvette posi carrier has a design flaw, which is why the clutches stripped (broke the retainer and the discs moved). If you reuse the carrier it will happen again, very soon.
When it comes to the Dana, if anything goes easy you did it wrong.
Mike
The 80-82 Corvette posi carrier has a design flaw, which is why the clutches stripped (broke the retainer and the discs moved). If you reuse the carrier it will happen again, very soon.
When it comes to the Dana, if anything goes easy you did it wrong.
Mike
