ARB RD83 - Manual (Page 11)

2 Removing the Existing Differential
9
2.6 Removing the Differential Center
IMPORTANT:
YOU
MUST SPREAD THE HOUSING ON GM 8.5” MODELS
Spreading the differential housing with a differential case
spreader is a step which is critical to set up bearing pre-load on
GM 8.5” differential housings. Improper pre-load will result in
undue bearing wear, increased stresses in the differential center,
increased running noise, and ultimately, ring and pinion gear
damage.
c Remove both bearing caps.
c Carefully spread the housing (Fig.3.) enough to remove the
differential center. (Refer to your vehicle’s service manual).
NOTE : Do not spread the housing more than 0.50mm [0.020”].
NOTE : Be sure not to mix up the left and right hand bearing
cups and master shims. Later it will be necessary to
know which cup and shim came from which side.
c Once the housing has been adequately spread, the differential may
be removed by pulling forward on the differential carrier.
Figure 3.
NOTE : The differential center is heavy and quite difficult to
handle when covered in oil. Take care not to drop it.
c Relieve any tension on the spreader immediately after the
differential has been removed.