Differential ID and ratio

[Bumperfood]

I have done several searches, trying to identify the differential and then the ratio of my motorhome. I have looked at the pictures shown in the chassis manual, but it does not look like any of them. I (we) have a 2001 Condor trail lite. It has the 8.1 litre engine and the WH chassis number is 5B4JP57G713328487. I also have a production slip showing all the options, but nothing indicates what the rear axle is. There is no fill plug in the diff cover but there are two fill holes, one if each side in the actual housing. there is also a bolt on flange where the yoke goes into the differential housing. Any help would be appreciated.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bumperfood I have done several searches, trying to identify the differential and then the ratio of my motorhome. I have looked at the pictures shown in the chassis manual, but it does not look like any of them. I (we) have a 2001 Condor trail lite. It has the 8.1 litre engine and the WH chassis number is 5B4JP57G713328487. I also have a production slip showing all the options, but nothing indicates what the rear axle is. There is no fill plug in the diff cover but there are two fill holes, one if each side in the actual housing. there is also a bolt on flange where the yoke goes into the differential housing. Any help would be appreciated.

I'll look it up and get back to you.

OK: SPID 005 - 4.56 Gear // C7N - 12.3K GVW // GL1 - 7.9K GAWRR // 7.50Rx16D Rubber
Dang .. that's 1 small motorhome you got there.

I tried to look up the differential housing in my materials and I can't find one that matches your ratio (4.56) no pictures unfortunately. This axle must have come in from GM possibly since I don't see it listed.

I'll fire off a mail and see what I can come up with for you.

[edgray]

According to the info I can access for that VIN #, the rear axle ratio is 4.56. You have a 7,900 pound GAWR-R and a GAWR-F of 5,000 pounds with the total GVWR of 12,300 pounds. The tranny is GM 4L80-E four speed and 16" wheels.

Sorry I could not identify the axle maker. Ed

[Bumperfood]

Yes, it is only 25 feet long. It seems the right size for the two of us at this juncture. We took it to a provincial park for a couple of days, sort of a shake down cruise, but one close to home in case anything went wrong. Everything went well, hot water heater did not work properly, but thanks to some research on this forum, I discovered that there was a bypass valve left open by the tank that was allowing the hot water to mix with the cold. Once I shut the valve off, water temperature at the sink tap was 145 degrees. We plan on heading east for a couple of weeks in August, so I feel I need to know as much as I can about our little motorhome. I have ordered a new serpentine belt, 103" long. I would like to get a gatorback, but they seem to be unavailable here in Canada. The differential looks to be quite skookum, I will take some pictures this afternoon, and If I can figure out how to post I will. Thank you all for your help, we are just rookies at this and there will be a learning curve.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bumperfood I have ordered a new serpentine belt, 103" long. I would like to get a Gatorback, but they seem to be unavailable here in Canada.

Bumperfood, The members here have met with mixed results while using Gatorback serpentine belts.

Better to go with a Gates belt for now!

[Bumperfood]

It's a Gates that I ordered, so all is well in that respect. I have taken a few of the differential pictures in the hope that it may help in identifying the axle assembly.

[DriVer]

The answer that I received today was that it's most likely a "Little Dana." I didn't have time going into the holiday weekend to get a definite answer from him but I'll get something better for you after the holiday.

Some guys are on vacation too!

[gg]

I think 26011826 casting number is the ID from American Axle and Manufacting in Detroit Mich.

Thus a orginal GM in house rear Diff.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gg Thus a original GM in house rear Diff.

Quote:

Originally posted by Driver This axle must have come in from GM possibly since I don't see it listed.

gg, Thanks for confirming my suspicions!

A number of these parts (GM OE) were indeed obtained by WCC when they bought out the entire operation in 1999 from GM so I expect they used these until the supply was exhausted.

[Bumperfood]

Right> So The consensus is a GM differential. That's is where I next started looking, and I think you are right. My conclusion from all the research I and all of you have done is that we have a GM 14 bolt corporate rear axle with a 4.56 ratio, and a ring gear diameter of 10.5in. I'm pretty sure that it is not 11.5 because it seems that it only came with disc brakes whereas ours has drums. As DriVer said they would have exhausted there supply of parts when they bought out American Axle in 99. Thank you all so much for your input and advice. We both appreciate it. Have a safe and happy Independence Day weekend