Revell GMC 4x4 Rear Diff Question

[Dave72]

So, I’m working on building a 3/4 ton 8ft bed Chevy version. Looking at this rear axle/differential, there’s got to be something better! Has anyone built their own? Any suggestions? I have a few of these rears so I could cut the springs off, scratch build the axle but still need to create the rear diff.  Not sure where to begin. Any help would be greatly appreciated! 

[NOBLNG]

Hello Dave. Nice to see another 4x4 Guy on here. Here is my thread on how I built mine.

And one on building driveshafts.

 

Edited January 20, 2023 by NOBLNG

[NOBLNG]

If you scroll down a bit in this thread, Art does a great tutorial on building leaf springs in case you should be in need of new ones.

 

Edited January 20, 2023 by NOBLNG

[Dave72]

24 minutes ago, NOBLNG said:

Hello Dave. Nice to see another 4x4 Guy on here. Here is my thread on how I built mine.

 

Hey Greg, I like to build all sorts of stuff, but been wanting to build one of the Revell pickups for a while. Thanks for the link to the thread. Some good info there. I clicked on the bnl link and it took me to a plastic injection company. Anyway, I have lot of areas to work on this truck in the meantime.

[NOBLNG]

15 minutes ago, Dave72 said:

Hey Greg, I like to build all sorts of stuff, but been wanting to build one of the Revell pickups for a while. Thanks for the link to the thread. Some good info there. I clicked on the bnl link and it took me to a plastic injection company. Anyway, I have lot of areas to work on this truck in the meantime.

Well good luck with it.? And  I fixed the link in my thread.

Edited January 20, 2023 by NOBLNG

[espo]

Looking at the offset of the drive shaft in the picture of this differential and leaf springs they look as if this maybe a front differential from a 4X4 kit.

[Fat Brian]

I bought these off Shapeways a while back, it's two sets of high pinion Dana 44s. You just provide a 3.5mm tube the width you need then slide the differential on and add the ends.

[Calb56]

https://vcgresins.com/shop/ols/products/dana-44-axle-kit

[Dave72]

20 hours ago, NOBLNG said:

Hello Dave. Nice to see another 4x4 Guy on here. Here is my thread on how I built mine.

And one on building driveshafts.

 

I thought I remember reading this thread! Great stuff! 

[NOBLNG]

8 hours ago, espo said:

Looking at the offset of the drive shaft in the picture of this differential and leaf springs they look as if this maybe a front differential from a 4X4 kit.

It is the rear differential. The molded in cover is offset too far to the right in the picture. If it was moved slightly to the left it wouldn’t be a bad looking diff. I think the cover bolts are not well defined either. It is not near as nice as those 3D printed ones though!?

 

Edited January 21, 2023 by NOBLNG

[Dave72]

8 hours ago, espo said:

Looking at the offset of the drive shaft in the picture of this differential and leaf springs they look as if this maybe a front differential from a 4X4 kit.

I know right! It just looks like the design of the kit rear diff is way off. Almost looks like the pinion gear is on the wrong side of the ring gear? As many of these I’ve had, I never like this rear axle. 

[Dave72]

3 hours ago, NOBLNG said:

It is the rear differential. The molded in cover is offset too far to the right in the picture. If it was moved slightly to the left it wouldn’t be a bad looking diff. I think the cover bolts are not well defined either. It is not near as nice as those 3D printed ones though!?

 

Ya, the Shapeways stuff is really nice, but I really do not want to go with a Dana. I’d like to have a GM 14 bolt. 

[NOBLNG]

8 hours ago, Dave72 said:

Ya, the Shapeways stuff is really nice, but I really do not want to go with a Dana. I’d like to have a GM 14 bolt. 

I think the biggest problem with the kit piece is the diff cover shape and location. You could replace it with a scratch built one. I downsized a photo of a real one and used it as a pattern for the flange.

[Dave72]

3 hours ago, NOBLNG said:

I think the biggest problem with the kit piece is the diff cover shape and location. You could replace it with a scratch built one. I downsized a photo of a real one and used it as a pattern for the flange.

I was kind of thinking the same thing only cutting off the front pinion area an moving that over to the right a little and reshaping a bit. Then cut the axle housings off and scratch build new ones so the diff is more centralized. If that goes well, I can see leaf spring making in my future! It’s a slippery slope! 
 

[NOBLNG]

5 hours ago, Dave72 said:

I was kind of thinking the same thing only cutting off the front pinion area an moving that over to the right a little and reshaping a bit. Then cut the axle housings off and scratch build new ones so the diff is more centralized. If that goes well, I can see leaf spring making in my future! It’s a slippery slope! 
 

You can do it any way you prefer, but I think you would be making a lot of extra work if you mess with the pinion end.? I think it would be relatively easy to file off the diff cover and scratch up a new one. You could also try saving it by slicing it off with a photo etch saw? If you mess it up you’re no farther behind. I searched a lot and never found a nice direct top view of a real diff.? It is indeed a slippery slope….on modification leads to another.?

Edited January 21, 2023 by NOBLNG

[Dave72]

2 hours ago, NOBLNG said:

You can do it any way you prefer, but I think you would be making a lot of extra work if you mess with the pinion end.? I think it would be relatively easy to file off the diff cover and scratch up a new one. You could also try saving it by slicing it off with a photo etch saw? If you mess it up you’re no farther behind. I searched a lot and never found a nice direct top view of a real diff.? It is indeed a slippery slope….on modification leads to another.?

The more I look at the top view, you are correct. Sure would like to find a 3D printed or resin cast rear diff before I go this route!