12 Bolt Rear End Question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MStokes · 03-28-2003, 10:34 AM

I've got a GM 12-bolt rear end (not posi) and I just pulled the axles out and replaced the axle/wheel bearings. When I was putting it together I noticed that there was approximately 1/16" of play on the axle if you try to slide it in and out. I noticed the "C" clips that hold the axle in place are actually cupped and would only go in if they were turned one way.

My question is: are they supposed to be cupped or should they be flat? Does this sound like a normal amount of play in each rear axle?

sam's 72 · 03-28-2003, 10:42 AM

The c clips shouldn't be cuped, as far as 1/16" of play, are you talking about with the pin in or the pin out? I pulled my axles out last week, and once I removed the pin in the center ( the one hold the spider gears ) the axle would move hell I would say a 1/4" or so. But once the pin is in, they were pretty tight. I am not sure what caused your clips to get cuped though, unless the pin has a lot of wear where the axle is hitting it.
Sam

MStokes · 03-28-2003, 11:02 AM

The estimated 1/16" of play was with the center pin installed. It was enough that I could get a good "ding" sound out of the axle hitting the pin if I pulled the axle all the way out and then pushed it in with a modest force.

crazy longhorn · 03-28-2003, 11:07 AM

The c clips should be flat. Do they look "blue", like they have been hot? If in doubt, your best bet is to change them. As far as the 1/16 " in/out on the axles....thats normal on a C clip rear diff. Good luck,crazyL

MStokes · 03-28-2003, 11:09 AM

The "C" clips did not appear to be blue like they had gotten hot. I'm thinking that I will probably go ahead and replace them just to make sure.

Are they an item that most parts stores would have available?

crazy longhorn · 03-28-2003, 11:18 AM

You could check around,but I think the clips will be a dealer item, or possibly a driveline shop can get them.....

03-28-2003, 10:34 AM	#1
MStokes Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Meridian, Idaho Posts: 164	12 Bolt Rear End Question I've got a GM 12-bolt rear end (not posi) and I just pulled the axles out and replaced the axle/wheel bearings. When I was putting it together I noticed that there was approximately 1/16" of play on the axle if you try to slide it in and out. I noticed the "C" clips that hold the axle in place are actually cupped and would only go in if they were turned one way. My question is: are they supposed to be cupped or should they be flat? Does this sound like a normal amount of play in each rear axle? __________________ 1972 C-10 LWB, 400/350, 2WD 1972 C-20 Custom Camper, 350/350, 4WD (Converted)

03-28-2003, 10:42 AM	#2
sam's 72 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Pasadena, Texas, USA Posts: 1,005	The c clips shouldn't be cuped, as far as 1/16" of play, are you talking about with the pin in or the pin out? I pulled my axles out last week, and once I removed the pin in the center ( the one hold the spider gears ) the axle would move hell I would say a 1/4" or so. But once the pin is in, they were pretty tight. I am not sure what caused your clips to get cuped though, unless the pin has a lot of wear where the axle is hitting it. Sam __________________ 72 LWB chevy truck. Pasadena, Texas

03-28-2003, 11:02 AM	#3
MStokes Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Meridian, Idaho Posts: 164	The estimated 1/16" of play was with the center pin installed. It was enough that I could get a good "ding" sound out of the axle hitting the pin if I pulled the axle all the way out and then pushed it in with a modest force. __________________ 1972 C-10 LWB, 400/350, 2WD 1972 C-20 Custom Camper, 350/350, 4WD (Converted)

03-28-2003, 11:09 AM	#5
MStokes Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Meridian, Idaho Posts: 164	The "C" clips did not appear to be blue like they had gotten hot. I'm thinking that I will probably go ahead and replace them just to make sure. Are they an item that most parts stores would have available? __________________ 1972 C-10 LWB, 400/350, 2WD 1972 C-20 Custom Camper, 350/350, 4WD (Converted)

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03-28-2003, 11:07 AM	#4
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	The c clips should be flat. Do they look "blue", like they have been hot? If in doubt, your best bet is to change them. As far as the 1/16 " in/out on the axles....thats normal on a C clip rear diff. Good luck,crazyL

03-28-2003, 11:18 AM	#6
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	You could check around,but I think the clips will be a dealer item, or possibly a driveline shop can get them.....



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