Re: lockers?

[Tom Mandera <tsm1@domain.elided>]

jbade@domain.elided wrote:
> 
> Tom,
> Can you explain the "housing spreader" a bit more..
> Maybe I just need to look at the Manuals tonight..
> But I'm trying to get a figure for what you are talking about..

Look at your diff.  On the left and right side of the housing are two
"holes".. I *think* they might have been used (additionally) to
plug-weld to the diff tubes, but don't quote me on that.. ;-)

In any manner, there's a "square" that goes onto the diff housing.  It
goes *around* the cover plate area, and fits into the hole on the left
and right of the housing.  Something akin to a "turnbuckle" is on two
parallel sides of the "square" (in line with the axle tubes).

You turn this turnbuckle and it forces the differential housing (via the
two holes) wider (horizontally if you had it in the truck).  This is to
let you get the diff assembly out easily.

Everyone told me theirs practically fell out when they put their lockers
in... I wasn't so lucky.  Of course, having two real pry bars probably
would've helped.. but.. in frustration, a well placed kick works fine.

That clearer?  There is a pic in the shop manual.

-Tom