2011 Suburban 2500 Rear Axle Swap

[Geotrash]

Friday 4:59 PM build date?! Lol

That’s what I’m thinking.

That clip is only to apply side bearing preload in equal increments, right? Actually, it's to lock down the adjuster? Once that's achieved the bearing caps holds everything down IIRC. Or what are we talking about?

But the fact that it's missing raises big questions... SMH

The clip keeps the adjuster from backing out. If it backs out, the bearing there loses its preload and if it backs out far enough it starts grinding itself down and throwing metal through the whole diff assembly, eventually taking out other bearings. In my case the metal fragments had damaged the pinion bearings as well, accounting for some of the noise.

 

[swathdiver]

That clip is only to apply side bearing preload in equal increments, right? Actually, it's to lock down the adjuster? Once that's achieved the bearing caps holds everything down IIRC. Or what are we talking about?

But the fact that it's missing raises big questions... SMH

A special spanner wrench is used to move it until the preload is set to spec, then it is locked down with that clip and bolt. Don't remember if there's Loctite on the bolt threads, it does of course have a torque spec. They get 19 or 20 foot pounds.

The 10.5 and 11.5 axles have one on each side, the 9.5 has one on the right side. The 8.6 does not use this feature.

 

[6point5diesel]

Thanks for all of the help guys. I'll give you my update as to where I'm at...

Two weeks ago; I decided to just bite-the-bullet and go for the $5,500CDN + install option. This was a new (remanufactured) axle procured through a GM dealership. The rebuilder was going to be some after-market/custom shop from down east. Windsor or Detroit. Not the original manufacturer (AAM or GM). This was the recommendation of the local shop that I brought it to, and they were really only interested in part-swapping.

A week ago abouts; this remanufacturer called back and said that they actually do not have any housings to rebuild. They thought they had a good core; but it was junk. Then they wanted me to ship my axle to them; and they would rebuild it.

I got cold feet at this point. I was originally sold that they were putting all brand-new components. The GM dealership didn't want to give me the name of the shop that was doing the build. They claimed I would get 3 year warranty; but if they send me back my axle with a defect; I supposed to ship it across the country for them to deny warranty!

Also, who says they were going to replace all parts? With a 50,000km / 30,000mile axle; what if they just do a bearing job. For $5,500 + tax; my expectation would be 100% brand-new guts.

What if they cheap out and use chinese bearings? They didn't want to tell me anything about what I was getting for my money.

continued in the next post...

 

[6point5diesel]

Long-story short.

I closed my bill with the local shop that just wanted to replace parts. They didn't want my Suburban in their shop till Christmas, taking up room, and waiting for it to be rebuilt.

I had my Suburban towed to my house. I supported the frame very safely with 4 strong support methods underneath. Jack-stands + 12"x12" blocks, etc.

I dropped the axle myself. I made extra sure to cautiously remove all components. Spare tire, shocks, u-joint, parking brake cables removed, caliper brackets unbolted and zip-tied away, all lines safely zip-tied out of the way, axle breather tube, wheel speed sensors, etc.

Nothing broke on remove except 1 wheel speed sensor. No big deal. I will replace both.

I found a very good shop locally (next city over about 2.5 hours away). He is very good and I've dealt with him before. I trust him.

He is going to do a full bearing replacement (carrier, pinion, axle), and all seals. He figures that I will need a new pinion and ring gear (I am bringing it to him tomorrow). He also is recommending that the carrier be replaced (there was a handful of shavings in my differential case). He recommends a Detroit Tru-Trac instead of the G80. All components made in the USA.

If I have to spend $5K CDN or more. It's fine. I just want to know what I am getting for my money.

Because he is local, I will be able to reasonably get warranty from him. I really appreciate the help and information from you all. Thank you.

Geotrash. Yes. It seems that my issue is the exact same as yours. It doesn't appear common at all. Sounds like I'll be getting it fixed similar to yours.

 

[Geotrash]

Long-story short.

I closed my bill with the local shop that just wanted to replace parts. They didn't want my Suburban in their shop till Christmas, taking up room, and waiting for it to be rebuilt.

I had my Suburban towed to my house. I supported the frame very safely with 4 strong support methods underneath. Jack-stands + 12"x12" blocks, etc.

I dropped the axle myself. I made extra sure to cautiously remove all components. Spare tire, shocks, u-joint, parking brake cables removed, caliper brackets unbolted and zip-tied away, all lines safely zip-tied out of the way, axle breather tube, wheel speed sensors, etc.

Nothing broke on remove except 1 wheel speed sensor. No big deal. I will replace both.

I found a very good shop locally (next city over about 2.5 hours away). He is very good and I've dealt with him before. I trust him.

He is going to do a full bearing replacement (carrier, pinion, axle), and all seals. He figures that I will need a new pinion and ring gear (I am bringing it to him tomorrow). He also is recommending that the carrier be replaced (there was a handful of shavings in my differential case). He recommends a Detroit Tru-Trac instead of the G80. All components made in the USA.

If I have to spend $5K CDN or more. It's fine. I just want to know what I am getting for my money.

Because he is local, I will be able to reasonably get warranty from him. I really appreciate the help and information from you all. Thank you.

Geotrash. Yes. It seems that my issue is the exact same as yours. It doesn't appear common at all. Sounds like I'll be getting it fixed similar to yours.

So glad you found a great solution! That first situation sounded shady AF. I would've done the same. And settling that bill would be the last money they'd ever receive from me.