C2/C3 Differential Guts

[jim34671]

Do Corvette differentials share common parts with other Chevrolet/GM units.
Namely crush sleeves and shim spacers.
I noticed many Corvette overhaul kits do not include crush sleeves or shims and
would search accordingly.
Thx and Happy Holidays

[Craig S.]

Re: C2/C3 Differential Guts

Jim - most of the kits don't include the shims but they are available separately from GM and from reputabable differential shops. The crush sleeve is available from GM directly for about $8 or so, I don't recall the P/N offhand but have ordered several. Most differential shops sell shim kits which are not returnable, with a variety of thickness shims for the side preload and the pinion depth. If you work on differentials much, you tend to get an array of these around for setting up requirements. I don't know if they are common with other GM rears, but they are readily available, just not part of aftermarket kits, and GM always (and still does) sell them by individual P/N and thickness.
...Craig

[Joe L.]

Re: C2/C3 Differential Guts

Jim------

1963-79 Corvette differential units have many unique-to-Corvette pieces, but some components are shared with other GM models of the mid 60s to mid 70s.

The Corvette crush sleeves used for 63-65 and 66-79 are unique-to Corvette pieces. The pinion shims and differential side bearing adjusting shims are shared with other GM differentials. Most of the GM shims are now discontinued, but readily available in the aftermarket. The 63-65 crush sleeve is discontinued, but the 66-79 remains available from GM.

The Corvette positraction case and ring and pinion gear sets are unique-to-Corvette pieces. The spider gears and other positraction case internal components are shared with other GM differentials as described above.

Obviously, the differential carrier housing and the stub axles are unique-to-Corvette pieces.

[frank mccracken]

Re: C2/C3 Differential Guts

Can anyone tell me a good place that I can buy a selection of just pinion and side shims and a crush sleeve? The kits I've seen so far include bearings etc.

[Craig S.]

Re: C2/C3 Differential Guts

Frank - as Joe comments, some of this is GM discontinued, but I did buy a bunch of shims through them about 2 years ago, including the pinion and side shims, plus the 66 up crush sleeve. I have one unit with the 63-65 crush sleeve and bought two of those from BAIRS Corvette. They do a lot of this work and have the parts. Also, in the aftermarket, DTS (Drive Train Specialties - I think they are in Ohio or Michigan) have a lot of shims and parts. The kits never include the setup items.......Craig

[Steve D.]

Re: C2/C3 Differential Guts

Frank

You might try Randy's Ring & Pinion @ randysringandpinion .com. They carry lots of small parts.

Steve

[frank mccracken]

Re: C2/C3 Differential Guts

Thanks for those leads, I'm going to try to get myself a selection so I can do the work for people.