Skip to content
Call: (800) 510-0950
Quality Differential Parts since 1982! (800) 510-0950
MENUMENU
  • Home
  • Products
    • Online Catalog / Find Parts
    • Ring and Pinion Gears
    • Differentials
    • Install / Rebuild Kits
    • Axle Shafts
    • Complete 3rd Members
    • Differential Covers
    • Axle Bearings & Seals
    • Yokes & Flanges
    • Miscellaneous Parts
    • Ball Joints & U-Joints
    • Differential Tools
    • ARB Air Compressors & Parts
    • WCD Apparel
  • Technical
    • View All Tech Topics
    • Differential Identification
    • Installation Instructions
    • Gear Ratio Calculators
    • Setup & Torque Specs
    • GM RPO Codes
    • Carrier Breaks
    • Diagnosing Problems
    • Failure Analysis
    • How to Measure
    • New Gear Break-In Procedure
    • Exploded View Diagrams
    • FAQ's
  • Order
  • Service
  • Contact
  • About Us
    • About Us

      West Coast Differentials has been distributing quality differential and axle parts since 1982. We believe that our exceptional customer service and product knowledge is what sets us apart from the competition. Give us a try, we think you'll be glad you did!

      ABOUT USMEET THE TEAMOUR VEHICLES

    • Our Catalog

      The most current parts and application information can always be found here on our website or by calling one of our differential parts experts. All of the parts we sell are also used every day in our busy service shop. This gives us confidence in the quality of the parts we sell.

      APPLICATION GUIDESTECH TOPICSFAQS

    • OUR LOCATION

      2429 Mercantile Drive Suite A,
      Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
      Toll Free: 800-510-0950
    • Our Vehicles
    • Meet the Team
    • About Us
    • Differential Parts Catalog

Featured Products and Specials

Search

Differential & Axle Technical Help

Let us take the guesswork out of your project! Differential and Axle Parts, Repair and Upgrades are all we do. Our Experts have over 75 years of combined knowledge and experience, and we take pride in our expertise.

Differential and Axle Technical Help

  • Differential and Axle Technical Help

    Technical Help - Gear & Axle
    Technical Help - Gear & Axle
    Welcome to the Differential and Axle Technical Help Index. These pages are intended to answer the most common questions and help you solve the most common problems with differential and axle identification, repair, setup, modification and problem diagnosis. If you don’t find the technical help that you need on these pages, contact us, and talk to a differential and axle expert at (800)510-0950.


    Technical Help - Axle and Differential Rear End Identification

    Differential & Axle Identification

    Accurate Differential Identification is the first and most important step in your differential repair, upgrade or overhaul project. Read More

    Technical Help - Rear End Carrier Breaks Brakes High Low Ratio Carrier

    Differential Carrier Breaks

    Differential carriers are designed to accommodate a range of Ring & Pinion gear ratios for the various tire sizes and vehicle applications. Read More

    Technical Help - RPM Calculator Tire Size conversion Rear End Gear Ratio Calculator

    Differential Gear Ratio Calculators

    Use our Differential Gear Ratio Calculator page to determine the best ring and pinion gear ratio for your vehicle. Read More


    Technical Help - Differential Noise Rear End Problems Howling Chatter

    Differential Problem Diagnosis

    Noises, vibrations and other irregular driving characteristics can often help diagnose a differential or driveline problem. Read More

    Technical Help - Axle Length, Axle Splines, Brake Offset, Bolt Circle

    How to Measure Axle Shafts

    Accurate measurement of axle shafts is a crucial step in getting the right axle for your application. We stock tons of axle shafts. Read More

    Technical Help - Broken Ring Gear Reasons Differential Broken pinion Gear

    Differential Failure Analysis

    A visual inspection of the failed or damaged ring and pinion gears and/or bearings will usually indicate the cause of most failures. Read More


    Technical Help - Ring & Pinion Gear Install Instructions How To DIY

    Differential Installation Instructions

    By following these differential installation instructions carefully, you will achieve proper set up, hoping these instructions are helpful. Read More

    Technical Help - What gear ratio do I need Posi Locker Open Differential

    Frequent Gear and Axle Questions & Answers

    Our staff of Differential Experts is ready to help with your specific axles and differentials questions Monday thru Friday from 8am to 5pm. Read More

    Technical Help - Differential Torque Specs Ring Gear Torque

    Differential Preload, Backlash and Torque Specifications

    The following are recommended Differential Set-Up Specifications for various differentials. If in doubt, consult our staff of differential parts specialists. Read More


    GM axle ratio identification codes G Codes

    General Motors RPO Codes

    GM RPO Codes, or General Motors “Regular Production Option” codes contain lots of valuable information about your GM vehicle. Read More

    Differential rear end gear break in procedure

    Ring & Pinion Break-In Procedure

    Improper gear break-in procedures may cause overloading and overheating of the ring and pinion gears as well as break down of the gear oil. Read More

    Gear Axle Exploded View Diagrams - Differential Part Names

    Axle Assembly Exploded Views

    Exploded views of typical differential and axle assemblies with part names indicated.

    Exploded Views

    More Tech Resources

    • Tire Rotation Test to Determine Gear Ratio
    • What Gear Ratio do I Need?
    • Gear Ratio & Tire Size Calculators
    • Differential Identification using Tags & Pictures
    • GM RPO Code Definitions
    • Measuring Axle Shafts & Bolt Circles
    • Installation Instructions
    • Set-up & Torque Specifications
    • New Gear Set Break-In Procedure
    • Carrier Breaks & Deck Heights
    • Diagnosing Differential and Gear Noise
    • Failure Analysis
    • Exploded Views – Parts Identification
    • FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions
    • Model 20 One-Piece Axle Kit Instructions
    • Tech Bulletin: Dana 44 Housing Drainage
    • 55 Passenger Housing Modification for Posi
    • Cross-Pin / Ring Gear Interference – Clearancing
    • Ford 9″ Dropout Modification for ARB Air Locker
    • JK Locker Sensor – Correct Positioning
    • Two Cut vs. Five Cut Ring & Pinion Gears
    • ARB Installation – Ford TTB

We Make the Difference

At West Coast Differentials we are committed to making your experience with us totally enjoyable. We think top-notch customer service is the most important thing we do. By asking ourselves what makes us different than other companies, our answer is that we deliver the level of customer service that other companies only promise.

Help Center

  • About Us
  • Technical Help
  • Diagnosing Differential Problems
  • Privacy Policy

Contact Us

2429 Mercantile Drive Suite A, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
Toll Free: 800-510-0950
Tel: 916-635-0950
Fax: 916-635-1105

Business Hours

  • Monday-Friday: 8am to 5pm PST
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed
All product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, logos, and brands does not imply endorsement.
Copyright © 2024 West Coast Differentials | Website Design by Zenxeon Technologies
Call Now