Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET1981FORWARD CONTROL 4.8L ENG VIN T, STANDARD TRANSREPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)DRIVELINES & AXLESDIFFERENTIALS & DRIVE AXLESPOSITIVE TRACTION DIFFERENTIALS - EATON (TWO PIECE CASE) LOCKING DIFFERENTIALOVERHAULREASSEMBLYDIFFERENTIAL
1981 Chevrolet Forward Control 4.8L Eng VIN T, Standard Trans
Positive Traction Differentials - EATON (Two Piece Case) Locking Differential: Overhaul: Reassembly: Differential
1981 Chevrolet Forward Control 4.8L Eng VIN T, Standard TransSECTION Differential
- Install disc pack guide clips on disc ears of cam gear disc pack. Use grease to retain clips in ears. Install cam gear assembly and original shim in right case half. If a new thrust ring was installed on cam gear, it may be necessary to reshim. Measure overall length of cam gear assembly, including shim. Compare this measurement with one previously recorded. If measurement variation is more than 0.003" either way, install a new shim that will obtain a reading within 0.003" of original measurement.
- Position right reaction block on gear face with button side of block facing up. Replace reaction block only if it is absolutely necessary. If a new block is being installed, measure face-to-face thickness of old block and obtain a new block of same thickness. Install pinion gears and thrust washers on pinion yoke. Place yoke in correct position in housing. Make sure center of yoke is correctly positioned over reaction block button. Tap on yoke lightly to correctly seat it in position.
- Position left reaction block on yoke with flange end up. Replace block only if it is absolutely necessary. If a new block is being installed, measure face-to-face thickness of old block and obtain a new block of same thickness.NOTE: The right and left reaction blocks are not necessarily the same thickness. If the blocks are broke or it is impossible to measure thickness, complete differential must be replaced.
- Install governor and latching bracket assemblies in correct position. Place straight end of latching bracket spring over and to the outside of governor shaft. This will preload the latching bracket against the governor assembly. Install the original three eared discs and two splined discs on left side gear alternately, starting and ending with an eared disc.NOTE: Original discs must be used to maintain correct operating clearance in differential.
- Install the six disc pack guide clips. Use grease to retain clips in place. Install original shim in left case half. Remove disc pack from side gear and place in position in case half. Make sure guides are in correct position. Install side gear in case, rotating gear to engage splines with splines on discs. Hold thumb on right case half. Make sure governor and latching bracket assembly holes are aligned in case halves. Install three screws.
- Place one axle shaft in a vise in a vertical position. Install differential on axle shaft, making sure splines on axle are engaged in splines in side gear. Slowly rotate differential. This can be easily done by inserting a short shaft or punch in a pinion yoke hole and pulling on shaft. Differential should turn smoothly without locking up or binding. Differential is now ready to be installed in housing.NOTE: Differential will lock up if turned rapidly.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.