Table of Contents
Acknowledgments Introduction
What Is a Workbench® Book?
Chapter 1:
History and Identification
10-Bolt Identification
12-Bolt Identification
Chapter 2:
Suspension Types and Differential Housings
Leaf Spring Rear Suspension
Watt’s Linkage Rear Suspension
Coil Spring Rear Suspension
Triangulated Four-Link Rear Suspension
Independent Rear Suspension
Project: Building a Universal Axle
Front Suspension
Advanced Suspension Components
Project: Installing an A-Body Axle with Tubular Arms
Project: Updating Inside the Housing
Bearings and Races
Chapter 3:
Disassembly
Main Housing
Limited-Slip or Open Differential?
External Inspection
Axle Removal
Pinion Yoke Removal
Axle Shaft Removal
Carrier Removal
Pinion Removal
Cleaning the Housing
Project: Converting a 12-Bolt for a 1967 Chevy Truck
Chapter 4:
Assembly
Open Differentials
Limited-Slip Differentials
Project: Installing Plug and Separator Block
Project: Installing Ladder Bars
Clutch-Type Differentials
Project: Rebuilding a Clutch-Type Differential
Axle Assembly Continues
Chapter 5:
Gears
Determine Gear Ratio
Gear Selection
Ring Gears and Carrier
Ring Gear Bolts
Bearing Installation
Ring and Pinion Machining
Speedometers
Chapter 6:
Axles
Torque Load
Spline Design
Stock versus Aftermarket Axles
Aftermarket Upgrades
Project: Replacing Wheel Studs
Chapter 7:
Setup and Installation
Project: Installing an Axle Assembly and Differential
Pinion Depth
Pinion Gear Patterns
Project: Pattern Checking
Project: Setting the Base Pinion Depth
Ring Gear Backlash
Project: Setting the Ring Gear Backlash
Project: Setting Up a Dial Indicator
Preload Adjustments
Complete the Rebuild
Gear Break-In Procedure
Chapter 8:
Driveshafts
Choosing a Builder
Power Output Considerations
Carrier Bearings
U-Joint
Mounting Options
Removal Methods
Project: Installing a Driveshaft U-Joint
Snap Rings
Project: Modifying a Stock Driveshaft
Chapter 9:
Lockers and Spools
Auto Lockers
Mechanical Locking Differentials
Electronic Locking Differentials
Drop-in Lockers
Spools
Chapter 10:
Wheels and Tires
Wheel Fitment
Project: Creating a Wheel Fitment Jig
Project: Measuring for Tire Clearance
Tire Codes
Tire Grading
Tire Use
Tire Construction
Tire Sizing
Tire Storage
Tire Selection
Source Guide
