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I have an empty 1970 differential carrier which I gave out for laser cleaning. In the process the side bearing caps were removed and I no longer know which was on the ring gear side and which was on the other side. The caps appear to be stamped "GM 8703 313 N" and "GM 8703 294 N", respectively (prior to the cleaning, I did not even realize that these stampings existed). I am hoping that these stampings distinguish one side from the other. Any knowledge that could be shared would be gratefully appreciated. Unfortunately, the side bearing caps appear to be grouped with the carrier in the GM Parts and Illustration Catalogue, so that lead me nowhere. Thank you!
As mentioned in my response to your pm you have to check the caps in the housing with a race.
The caps were machined to the housing and the numbers mean nothing.
Cap fit is important for too loose and the race will spin and too tight the bearing will burn out
As mentioned in my response to your pm you have to check the caps in the housing with a race.
The caps were machined to the housing and the numbers mean nothing.
Cap fit is important for too loose and the race will spin and too tight the bearing will burn out
I just finished this diff. I had to fit a new steel cap and fit the original one. They take time to do- if they have to be fit. This is not your common rebuilt diff.
Thank you. Based on your experience, once the differential is fully built and installed in the carrier, assuming that the end caps are original to the carrier would you expect that it will become evident as to which cap goes on which side upon installation?
Most caps fit to the original housing are good. Most, some are not.
Everyone has to be checked as part of a good differential overhaul, take nothing for granted and 10x more if it's been worked on before. A shady vendor in TX shipped out rebuilt diff with the wrong caps installed. I have had to fix one of them and it was junk.
The bearing caps need a near perfect .001" crush/interference fit on the bearing race.
One of my stock ones was OK, and the never touched other side was too loose. Go figure.
Did I get that right Gary?
If you do not trust your own skill set, or have never done this before, Gary can fix it.
Last edited by leigh1322; Mar 23, 2025 at 02:37 PM.
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1970 differential side bearing caps
