I received an unassembled 12 bolt rearend years ago. I have been told ...not to mix-up the carrier bearing caps, although when got the rear they were not installed. How do I determine which bearing cap goes where? o No: Any help would be appreciated... Thanks, Tom :TU:
Ideally you can torque up the caps with your best guess, then use a dial bore gage to check diameter and roundness. If you're lucky, the differences in machine patterns from one side to the other might make it obvious if you get them wrong. Good luck! Devon
Been through this many times. First, clean the caps & cap mounting area in the hsg with solvent. Next, alternate each cap on each side (the bulged side of the cap goes outboard), lightly tightening the cap bolts... no need to torque 'em. Last, by running the edge of your thumb nail along the caps & looking at the parting line, should be able to figure which cap is original lh & rh. Afterwards, afraid to mix them up, stamp 'em L & R with a stamp set, or mark 'em with a paint pen. For others who are worse off & may be missing an original 12 bolt housings cap, Tom's Differential sells aftermarket caps which can be fitted to your hsg. Want a lower buck, yet more time consuming method, '64 1/2- 83 GM 12 bolt TRUCK rears use same style of caps. Problem is, it usually takes a 5 gal bucket full, to dig through & find one that is a perfect fit. Seldom in the self serve yards does anyone ever buy the 12 bolt truck hsg. Often the carriers &/or gears are gone, with the caps laying on the ground. When that situation presents itself, I usually grab 'em. Got Posi? :3gears: Roger
12 bolt caps Don't forget the newer 8.6 1/2 ton trucks and suvs use the 12 bolt caps too... A36 bearing . Jim
