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 MANUALSGMC1992SUBURBAN 1/2 TON 2WD V8-350 5.7LREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISTRANSMISSION AND DRIVETRAINDIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLYSERVICE AND REPAIRUNIT REPAIRREAR DRIVE AXLESEMI-FLOATING AXLE 8-1/2 INCH RING GEARGEAR TOOTH PATTERN CHECKGEAR TOOTH NOMENCLATURE
1992 GMC Suburban 1/2 Ton 2WD V8-350 5.7L
Gear Tooth Nomenclature
1992 GMC Suburban 1/2 Ton 2WD V8-350 5.7LSECTION Gear Tooth Nomenclature
GENERAL INFORMATION
The side of the ring gear tooth which curves outward, or is convex, is referred to as the "drive" side (4). The concave side is the "coast" side (3). The end of the tooth nearest the center of ring gear is referred to as the "toe" end (2). The end of the tooth farthest away from the center is the "heel" end (1). The toe end of the tooth is smaller than the heel end.
TEST
1. Wipe oil out of axle housing and carefully clean each tooth of the ring gear.
2. Apply gear marking compound sparingly to all ring gear teeth using a medium stiff brush.
3. Use the service brake to apply a load until a torque of 54-68 Nm (40-50 ft. lbs.) is required to turn the pinion.
A test made without loading the gears will not give a satisfactory pattern. Turn the companion flange with a wrench so that the ring gear rotates one full revolution. Then reverse the rotation so that the ring gear rotates one revolution in the opposite direction. Excessive turning of the ring gear is not recommended.
4. Observe the pattern on the ring gear teeth and compare with the image.
The side of the ring gear tooth which curves outward, or is convex, is referred to as the "drive" side (4). The concave side is the "coast" side (3). The end of the tooth nearest the center of ring gear is referred to as the "toe" end (2). The end of the tooth farthest away from the center is the "heel" end (1). The toe end of the tooth is smaller than the heel end.
TEST
1. Wipe oil out of axle housing and carefully clean each tooth of the ring gear.
2. Apply gear marking compound sparingly to all ring gear teeth using a medium stiff brush.
3. Use the service brake to apply a load until a torque of 54-68 Nm (40-50 ft. lbs.) is required to turn the pinion.
A test made without loading the gears will not give a satisfactory pattern. Turn the companion flange with a wrench so that the ring gear rotates one full revolution. Then reverse the rotation so that the ring gear rotates one revolution in the opposite direction. Excessive turning of the ring gear is not recommended.
4. Observe the pattern on the ring gear teeth and compare with the image.
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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.