Help Differential dilemma
 

I have acquired 2 10 bolt 8.5 differentials with most of the parts in a basket.

My problem is there is no way I can tell which parts (most importantly, the bearing caps) came from which diff.

Two of the caps are labeled L and R but which case does it match?

How do I assemble these parts and get everything properly set up?

Re: Help Differential dilemma
 

If noone has a better way this what I would try. Install the labeled caps the housing and torque them in place. If they didn't fit into place or there is a ridge where they meet then I would call them the wrong set and try the other caps the same way. I am guessing that a boring bar of some sort or a long setup bar through the entire housing to check run out is the proper method. That is a tool I am guessing that most of us don't have.

Re: Help Differential dilemma
 

I've always kinda wondered how far off one would be if the caps were switched, but I never think to flip 'em around and see when I have one apart.

I would try and see if you can feel a ridge in there like mentioned above. You may get lucky and have them be far enough off that you can notice. If you have some telescoping gauges you could measure at appropriately clocked angles it might help. If there isn't some sort of measurable offset than maybe it doesn't matter.

I've wondered what I would do if in that spot and that's the best I've been able to come up with.

Re: Help Differential dilemma
 

Are the caps stamped with the letters? Pics of the caps and diff face

Re: Help Differential dilemma
 

So after vigorous cleaning I did find letters on 2nd set of caps.
I tried your suggestion and one set of caps is definitely not aligning so
it seems the other which does seem to align ok must be the right ones.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Re: Help Differential dilemma
 

here are some pics. as mentioned in previous post one set of caps are clearly misaligned, you can feel the difference when you put the caps on finger tight.
The other set does seem to fit. Short of having the diff line bored I will try using these.

Thank all for input
Bob

Re: Help Differential dilemma
 

clean off the rusted surface of the housing and see if there is a corresponding mark or stamp