Yes, G80.
Was thinking the AXN axle be a nice ratio upgrade (3.08 -> 3.42)
And have a stronger diff and a lower miles unit..
Would need to commit to a replacement front diff as well..
That is interesting about the C-clips!
I'll remember to get new ones if I keep the original axle. Thanks!
From the measurements I took, I would estimate those c-clips should probably be replaced around 120,000 to 130,000 miles. This was on a 14-bolt 9.5 in 3.42 rear axle. It had the differential fluid replaced roughly every 30,000 miles with a full synthetic 75w90. 75% of its miles were my wife's commute on a 55 mph State highway, 25 miles each way. And she babies are Escalade.
If picking up a used assembly for my salvage yard, at a minimum I would replace those.
The proper amount of axle and play is pretty much imperceptible with your eyes, a magnetic mounted micrometer is needed. We're talking less than .01 of an inch.
The axle bearings themselves looked perfect.... I went ahead and replaced both the axles and the bearings because I had them on hand, and my wife wants to keep her Escalade for another 150,000 miles.
The surface of the old axle where the bearing rides was obviously visible, but you could not feel anything with your fingernail. Micrometer said it was okay, so I'm sure they would have cleaned up quite well. However, where the seal itself was riding was questionable. The axle was not leaking, I went in for high mileage preventative maintenance.
This is the end of the axle where it's riding against the locking pin that you remove before pulling the c clips. Compared to the new axle with a micrometer, it was within .001" of being new.
Both the axle and play and radial play.... Any vertical movement in the bearing... Came out exactly within specs, literally .001" from being too tight. I'm fully confident she'll get close to 200,000 miles out of them.
