63-67 Differential side yoke play

[Michael G.]

Happy 4th of July all. Am in the process of changing out the differential side yoke seals of my '66. The yokes as we know have side to side play and wondered is there such a thing a too much and how would that be resolved? What is considered "the norm"? Doesn't appear there is any adjustment (in and out) of the axles. Obvisously these are wear items and wondered exactly (within reason...LOL) what should I be observing axle wise and regarding side yoke play? Thanks to all.

Mike

[Joe L.]

Re: 63-67 Differential side yoke play...how much?

Happy 4th of July all. Am in the process of changing out the differential side yoke seals of my '66. The yokes as we know have side to side play and wondered is there such a thing a too much and how would that be resolved? What is considered "the norm"? Doesn't appear there is any adjustment (in and out) of the axles. Obvisously these are wear items and wondered exactly (within reason...LOL) what should I be observing axle wise and regarding side yoke play? Thanks to all.

Mike

Mike----

GM never published a specification for maximum allowable stub axle end play. However, about 1/16" is just about the maximum you want to have.

For the most part, stub axle end play is caused by wear on the ends of the axles. The axles are case-hardened to resist wear, but they eventually "lose out" to the differential gear center pin which is hardened to a greater Rockwell hardness than the stub axles.

Case hardening is quite thin. So, once it is worn through, wear on the axle end proceeds rapidly. If you have in excess of 1/16" of end play, you can expect that end play will increase rather rapidly. At some point, it will wear down to the snap ring groove and the snap ring will fall off.

[Jim L.]

Re: 63-67 Differential side yoke play...how much?

Mike, FWIW, add shims to the clutch pack on the side that exceeds the limit as Bill stated. This is a limited slip differential i assume. The blue Motor's auto repair manuals cover this clutch pack procedure very well. The year 1962 book especially.
Jim

[Michael G.]

Re: 63-67 Differential side yoke play

Since the stub axle is case-hardened and wears on the end (against the pinion shaft) I see there's potential for the axle to shorten over time. Is there certain length +/- a axle shaft should be?


Secondly assuming mine could be marginally worn (more than 1/16") and allowing for greater end to end play.....wouldn't this be solveable by replacing with new stub axles? Thanks again.

Mike

[Joe L.]

Re: 63-67 Differential side yoke play

Since the stub axle is case-hardened and wears on the end (against the pinion shaft) I see there's potential for the axle to shorten over time. Is there certain length +/- a axle shaft should be?


Secondly assuming mine could be marginally worn (more than 1/16") and allowing for greater end to end play.....wouldn't this be solveable by replacing with new stub axles? Thanks again.

Mike

Mike----

1) I'm sure there is a specified length for the stub axle in the as-new condition. However, it's relatively moot. One would need to remove the axle from the carrier to determine it and, once that's done, any wear would be readily apparent;

2) Absolutely. Replacing the stub axles is the way to cure the problem.