Ever been bitten by these?

20psiGMC

20psiGMC

Member
Just wondering if anyone else here has ever lost skin to the two vampire-like “teeth” that hang down off the rear differential:

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Normally I just drag my backbone across one (which is exquisite) but this time I was sliding on my back underneath the truck and wound up hooking my kneecap instead.

As I lay there bleeding, I began to wonder… just why the heck are they there? I can’t imagine any useful purpose, or why the housing has to be cast with fangs in order to function. Is this some sadistic engineer’s idea of a joke?

Or is this how the truck defends itself against idiot mechanics?
 
20psiGMC

20psiGMC

Member
Re: Ever been bitten by these?

jbonehead85 said:
ive never even noticed those.
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I didn't either, until they attacked.

92boostedty said:
looks like a jack fits nicely in those?
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Hmm... they might keep the floor jack from slipping off the center of the pumpkin if something bad happened. I'd hate to even consider picking up the whole rear of the truck with the factory jack....
 
Robert Lone

Robert Lone

MUTANT
Re: Ever been bitten by these?

That has to be the most beautiful backdrop for a differential I have ever seen. I'm sure it's quite lovely to see whilst bleeding to death.:tup:

I'm guessing the fangs to serve a purpose either in the casting or machining process at the factory...
 
20psiGMC

20psiGMC

Member
Re: Ever been bitten by these?

T56 said:
That has to be the most beautiful backdrop for a differential I have ever seen. I'm sure it's quite lovely to see whilst bleeding to death.
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Yep, the contrast really makes the pic. That was the exact view I had as I lay there gritting my teeth. So good I just had to grab the digital camera…

T56 said:
I'm guessing the fangs to serve a purpose either in the casting or machining process at the factory...
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You’re probably right, but you just know they went the extra mile:

GM Engineer 1: “Let’s cast a couple flats here so we can clamp the carrier while machining it”
GM Engineer 2: “We could do that, but they wouldn’t maim the owner if he crawls under the truck…”
GM Engineer 1: “How about a couple of sharpened hooks instead?
GM Engineer 2: “Now you’re talking….”
 
Try Me

Try Me

New member
Re: Ever been bitten by these?

ive never seen those either, but i guess thats because i have a sway bar running directly under there...
 
live1053rulz

live1053rulz

Nor Cal SyTy
Re: Ever been bitten by these?

Yeah, the first thing I noticed were the trees, really nice pic. Never noticed the teeth.
 
blk00z28

blk00z28

Forced to by choice
Re: Ever been bitten by these?

Try Me said:
ive never seen those either, but i guess thats because i have a sway bar running directly under there...
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I think thats why I havent noticed it either.
 
20psiGMC

20psiGMC

Member
Re: Ever been bitten by these?

Try Me said:
ive never seen those either, but i guess thats because i have a sway bar running directly under there...
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blk00z28 said:
I think thats why I havent noticed it either.
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You guys have convinced me I need a rear swaybar.... if for nothing more than protection ;)

live1053rulz said:
Yeah, the first thing I noticed were the trees, really nice pic.
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It's awesome here in the summertime. If I succeed in getting the truck together this year, I'll get some pics of the topside with the same backdrop....
 
brock1949

brock1949

Its alive!!!
Re: Ever been bitten by these?

Not sure if this in the only reason they are casted into the diff but you can easily figure out if its 7.625 or a 8.5 based on those little notches shapes.. If that makes sense. The 8.5's have little squares instead.

And that is a killer view, when i look outta the garage all see if neighbors sitting on the porch watching me work...
 
20psiGMC

20psiGMC

Member
Re: Ever been bitten by these?

blk00z28 said:
Why wouldnt you have a swaybar on it? :dunno:
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It's factory stock suspension-wise (for now). Rear swaybar has always been on my list, but futher down than other goodies...

My brother took a look at the pic and pointed out you can see the backstop for the 100 and 150 yard targets on the rifle range. The truck is stored upstairs (barn) we have a bench/shooting room built into the lower corner (ground level). The view shown is through the "hay door" upstairs...
 
QUICK STORM

QUICK STORM

B.A.M.F. BMW Tech
Re: Ever been bitten by these?

i had a nice gash in my head from hitting it 2 weeks ago. it definately hurt
 
Ty0279

Ty0279

Historically Significant
Re: Ever been bitten by these?

Cool, I've never seen Martian trees before and I've never noticed the fangs either.

Better get your rabies treatment asap. ;)

 
20psiGMC

20psiGMC

Member
Re: Ever been bitten by these?

jbonehead85 said:
where is wellsville NY?
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Easiest way to find it is to locate Rochester on a NY state map. Now slide your finger nearly directly south until it's about 12 miles off the PA border. You should see Wellsville, Allegany county, least populated county in the state. We have more deer here than people.

Hooked cranium.... I bet that was no fun.

And I am beginning to think before I work on the truck anymore I'd better check and make sure my Tetanus shot is up to date...
 
20psiGMC

20psiGMC

Member
Re: Ever been bitten by these?

T-56 said:
I say it's nothing that a DeWalt grinder can't fix.
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That would be the most sensible way.

After it bit me, it's a good thing the ball-peen hammer wasn't handy....:steamer:
 
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