1996 K1500 Build

[djp73]

Checking backlash, fighting an inaccurate indicator, have since gotten a better setup.

Note: that's not how you measure backlash, gauge is just sitting there.

 

[djp73]

Painted up

First pattern, a few issues here. Pinion is deep and the pattern is faint. Took some shim out of the pinion, that was as far as we got. Will put resistance on the pinion when we run the next pattern to hopefully make it more clear.

 

[djp73]

Finally able to get back in the shop a couple weeks ago (10/8/22).

Moved shims around and measured then ran a pattern.

Ended up going .003 deeper on the pinion after that pattern. Got the preload dialed back in checked the backlash. Ran a pattern I liked then pulled it back apart and put in the real pinion race and carrier bearings, axle seals and pinion seal then buttoned up the differential portion for final assembly. Next is axle shafts and outers. Hopefully under the truck by the end of the month.

 

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Heating the collars for installation on the axle shafts.

 

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Drilling the housing for the E Locker wiring harness.

 

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Harness in. Cover on. For the last time? Who knows.

 

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Spindles and H3 caliper brackets installed.

 

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Hubs next. These have been machined for the H3 rotors to slip over.

 

[djp73]

Next step is to get wheel studs pressed into the hubs. Current studs on the truck are 14x1.50 and so is the future rear differential. Hubs are only .529" and the studs need ~.600" for a press fit. Hopefully able to drill them on the drill press good and square and get them pressed in then the hubs can go on as well as the locking hubs etc. Hopefully axle under truck by the end of the month.

Apparently 19/32 and 39/64 drill bits aren't that common.

 

[djp73]

Hubs machined, studs pressed in, hubs on.

 

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Locking hubs assembled and tested.

 

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E locker tested. Cover on.

 

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Machining rotors to fit 14mm wheel studs.

 

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Finally taking parts off the truck!

 

[djp73]