Hi guys,

I'm putting the differential and rear suspension of my car back together and have a few questions for those who have had their differentials rebuilt. I'm particularly interested in hearing from Vette92 and Red Rocket or others who have experience with aftermarket differential/halfshaft assemblies.

1. So, I finish connecting the passenger side half shaft to the differential and the outer axle stub, and am doing the driver's side halfshaft, when I notice that the inner axle stub on the passenger side (i.e. the axle stub that comes out of the differential) comes out a good 1/8" to a 1/4" more than the driver's side stub. I have not finished tightening down the straps on the driver's side. My question is this: will the driver's side inner axle stub come out or extend out to match the passenger side once I tighten everything down?

2. I'm using Spicer 3500 straps, and the bolts that came with them had some green stuff on the threads. These bolts are really hard to screw in, and I was wondering if this is normal, and if so, how much do I tighten them down? The factory torque spec seems useless because there is not enough space to get a torque wrench on the bolt, and the bolts are so tight that I think the torque spec would be reached before the bolt heads even contacted the straps.

Thanks for the input.

 

1. No, the stubs don't move. They're held in place and adjusted for correct end play by using proper thickness external retaining ring inside. I think the difference you're seeing (between left and right) is normal. that's just the way it is.

2. That green stuff is probably a mild thread locker (kinda like Locktite) to keep the bolts from coming loose. This will also make for some resistence as you install them. I don't know what to tell you on torqueing them though.

Dan

 

Thanks, Danno. That's exactly what Tom's said.