Differential Man Products

I Don't build by the Book !

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   For Years, I've been saying, " I don't build by the book, I build to last"! Through out my 50 years of "Turning Wrenches", I noticed a change in the factory's assembling of differentials. Especially in the last 5 years, I found that the pinion bearings and carrier bearings were wearing prematurely, yet outside of the vehicles warranty. For pinion noise or being loose, I would remove the driveshaft and spin the yoke. On some, I had to use both hands to turn the pinion. On differentials that used threaded adjusters for the carrier bearings, I had to used a breaker bar to break it loose. On differentials using carrier spacer shims, I couldn't get the same shims back in. 

   As for parts, there are certain brands I use and some I will not. I use to let customers bring their own parts, but now I tell them what parts to purchase. There are brands that I have to fight with to get a good pattern. I always say, "You get what you pay for". Sometimes I'll guide them on the internet on how to find those "Hard to find Parts". 

   In order to build a great differential, I always ask the customer what they are using their vehicle for. Drag Racing, Track Racing, Off-Road 4-wheeling ( trailered or driving to ) and Heavy Hauling, It makes a difference on the Ring & Pinion set-up. and Bearing-Preloads.

   Every differential needs to be checked for straightness, especially here in Colorado. In order for all the parts to work together and last, they have to be in alignment. Sometimes I can straighten with heating & cooling and others I use a press.

   When the customer picks up their vehicle or differential, I talk to them about maintenance. I explain to them that you can't go by millage, You have to go by color and condition of oil. I always say, the oil will talk to you if you just look at it.  I guess I'm a maintenance Freak! 

My thinking is this. The engine has a perfect maintenance schedule. It goes by hours of operation. It has a great filter for air, fuel and oil. Because of the three ways the oil gets contaminated, Silicon, fuel dilution and metal wear. The oil changes color quickly, especially diesel. The oil has to be analyzed by a laboratory. Everything else you go by color. Power steering fluid, Brake Fluid, Automatic Trans Fluid, Transfer case Fluid, Front and Rear Differential. The book say at this mile it should be change. But you pulled a heavy load and now the oil is dark and burnt. Do you leave it in and only go by the book. NOOOOOOOOOO. Get it out of there. Oil looses 50% of its lubrication qualities after it get burnt. REMEMBER, Oil is cheaper than a repair cost. I remember the old Frans Oil Filter Commercial.

"PAY ME NOW or PAY ME LATER,  But you will pay.

 

   Well, I'm getting older. That's why I'm building this website. I hope the information I provide you, will help you in what you do or need. If I don't see it, email me and I'll try to get it. 

 

       Thank You,

       Paul Camping 

   

   

   

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