This book covers everything you need to know about selecting the most desirable gear ratio, rebuilding differentials and other driveline components, and most importantly, matching the correct driveline components to engine power output. Learn how to set up a limited-slip differential, install high-performance axle shafts, swap out differential gears, and select the best available products for the driveline. This book covers the Chevy 12-bolt, Ford 8.8-inch, Dana units, and many other popular high-performance axles and rear ends. In addition, it explains rear differential basics, rear differential housings, rebuilding open rear differentials, limited-slip differentials, and factory differentials. Ring and pinion gears, axle housings, axle shafts, driveshafts, and U-joints are also covered.
This book covers everything you need to know about selecting the most desirable gear ratio, rebuilding differentials and other driveline components, and most importantly, matching the correct driveline components to engine power output. Learn how to set up a limited-slip differential, install high-performance axle shafts, swap out differential gears, and select the best available products for the driveline. This book covers the Chevy 12-bolt, Ford 8.8-inch, Dana units, and many other popular high-performance axles and rear ends. In addition, it explains rear differential basics, rear differential housings, rebuilding open rear differentials, limited-slip differentials, and factory differentials. Ring and pinion gears, axle housings, axle shafts, driveshafts, and U-joints are also covered.
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Foreword by Larry Webster
Introduction
Chapter 1: Rear Axle Fundamentals
Driveline Overview
Axle Overview
Finding the Right Parts and Service
Summary
Chapter 2: Factory Rear Axle Housings
Beam Axles
Independent Carrier Axles
Axle Shaft Retention Methods
Axle Tubes
Axle Housings
Summary
Chapter 3: Rebuilding the Rear Axle
Common Axle Problems
Vehicle Preparation
Axle Disassembly
Cleaning and Inspection
Axle Reassembly
Summary
Chapter 4: Factory Limited-Slip Differentials
Determining Limited-Slip vs. Open Differential
Tear-Down Process
Checking the Parts for Wear
Rebuild Process
Final Assembly and Performance
GM-Style Limited-Slip Differential
Cone-Style Limited-Slip Differential
Ford Mustang Differentials
Summary
Chapter 5: Aftermarket Differentials
Limited-Slip Differentials
Open Differential
Spools and Mini-Spools
Lockers
Helical Technology
Viscous Control Technology
Torque Vectoring
Summary
Chapter 6: Ring and Pinion Gears
Torque Multiplication
Hypoid vs. Spiral Bevel Gear Systems
Hypoid Mounting Dimensions
Tire Size and Gear Ratio
Gear Manufacturing
Gear Materials
Gear Tooth Geometry
Disassembly and Assembly of Ring and Pinion Gears
Setting Gear Contact Pattern
Ring and Pinion Break-In Procedure
Speedometer Accuracy
Summary
Chapter 7: Axle Shafts
Axle Shaft Function
Axle Shaft Geometry and Nomenclature
Materials and Manufacturing Methods
Spline Details
Bearing Surfaces
Flange, Lug Studs and Nuts
Summary
Chapter 8: Driveshafts, Universal Joints and Pinion Angle
Driveshaft Considerations
Retention Methods
Sizes
Vibrations
Joint Angles
Lubrication
Summary
Source Guide