So during my tear-down of a 10-bolt rear end, I lost track of which differential main cap went on which side.



Any hope of figuring out which is which? The caps have different numbers and symbols on them, I can snap a photo tomorrow for sure. I can't remember seeing previous match marks within the case itself. Does the factory mark them in any way?

If it matters, the carrier, axles, gears, etc will all be replaced during this rebuild.

Most of the time there is a paint mark that goes from the cap to the housing. If you clean off the oil you might be able to see the paint. Line up the mark on the cap with the mark in the housing and you'll have it made. If there isn't a paint mark then you need to bolt the caps on and measure the bore. I don't remember what the bore size is, but it's just under 3 inches. Measure the size of the bearing race and that is what the bore size should be. If the bore size is off then swap sides with the caps and measure it again. The tab on the side of the cap always faces out.

No dice on the paint marks. Looks like I'll have to pop the carrier out and measure the bores, or have the gear shop mess with it. Thanks.

If you put one of the caps in and look at the hatch lines where the bores were machined under a magnifying glass you might be able to match them up. I've used this trick before for main caps and rod caps in an engine. Definateyl mark them if you get it figured out.