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Is it possible to install gears backwards in a differential

Subtlebeast

Junior Member
Messages
28
Location
Jackson, NJ
Hi All,

I just built front and rear differentials in Alum housings and my truck is binding/locking up when I move all 4 wheels on the ground. Is it possible I installed one of the differentials backwards in the casing or are they keyed to avoid this? It almost seems the front wheels are spinning the opposite direction of the rears and causes the truck to lock up. This happens as soon as I give the truck a gentle push(I haven’t started it since rebuild of diffs). I figured I would ask before I open them up.
 

Impalassman

Well-Known Member
Messages
172
I know the plastic diffs have a pin to keep from doing this but I noticed when I used the aluminum ones you had to keep track of which way they need to go so they don't spin the wrong way.
 

Subtlebeast

Junior Member
Messages
28
Location
Jackson, NJ
I guess I should have payed a bit more attention when I rebuilt them. Looks like I will have to take them apart. Thanks for the info.
 

pfrederi1

Well-Known Member
Messages
116
I feel ur pain having to breakdown somnething you spent time on. My suggestion would be to label and layout your parts carefully and test as you go. By that I mean as you reassemble the parts stop at certain intervals and turn with the hand. After the diff is fully assenbled but before mounting test turn again to make sure its functioning properly.
 

G-Man

Junior Member
Messages
958
Location
Pittsburgh,PA
Hi All,

I just built front and rear differentials in Alum housings and my truck is binding/locking up when I move all 4 wheels on the ground. Is it possible I installed one of the differentials backwards in the casing or are they keyed to avoid this? It almost seems the front wheels are spinning the opposite direction of the rears and causes the truck to lock up. This happens as soon as I give the truck a gentle push(I haven’t started it since rebuild of diffs). I figured I would ask before I open them up.
Check out this video I made showing how to shim these diffs and which gears I've found to hold up best. It's all listed in the beginning of the video. Hope it helps Sir!!
 
Last edited:

Subtlebeast

Junior Member
Messages
28
Location
Jackson, NJ
Thanks for the link. Differentials are back together. I am replacing the bearings on the center differential now. Thanks all for the help.
 

G-Man

Junior Member
Messages
958
Location
Pittsburgh,PA
Thanks for the link. Differentials are back together. I am replacing the bearings on the center differential now. Thanks all for the help.
Look into the aluminum center diff mounts Redcat offers, much stronger than the plastic. Also that CD needs shimmed properly too for the mesh to the brakeshaft pinion. That process had me pulling my hair out. You know the drill unbolt shim, rebolt up chech mesh, repeat. Took forever...
 

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