A differential case spreader (or a differential housing spreader) is a way to remove the carrier from your housing assembly, set the carrier bearing preload, and overall remove the assembly altogether. Differential case spreaders are involved in very complicated mechanical work, but the differential case spreaders themselves have a straightforward, if niche use, one that is harder to ascertain if you are not an intimate member of the field of mechanics and repair, especially those that work with the axles in vehicles.
Is there a reason you should buy a differential case spreader? If you are working in this particular field, there is a reason!
Why You Should Buy a Differential Case Spreader
A differential case spreader is primarily used to help you remove the carrier in your housing assembly. This is a significant part of the entire assembly, and it would be a huge hassle, to say the least, to have to do it by hand or some other cumbersome and potentially dangerous method. But just because the function of a differential case spreader is simple and straightforward doesn’t mean it’s useless.
You should absolutely buy a differential case spreader as it will make your life as a mechanic or someone who works with machines significantly easier. And isn’t that why we deal with this kind of stuff in the first place? A differential case spreader should be at the top of your shelf, ready to help you simplify this straightforward task.
But where do you get these differential case spreaders? What do you need to ensure the best possible outcome from using it? Luckily, we have a few options for you to consider.
List of Top 5 Differential Case Spreaders
1. VEVOR Differential Housing Spreader
If you are looking for differential spreaders, your first option should always be VEVOR.
The VEVOR Differential Housing Spreader is the quintessential housing spreader. The first in its sizable list of accomplishments is an ease of use that makes it easy to spread housing for carrier assembly removal and installation, making it a great and simple tool for handling complex and time-consuming jobs. Next is its incredibly well-made construction, with high-strength steel that allows it to have astoundingly high durability and performance.
The same heavy-duty frame uses mechanical screw power to spread housing, making removing differential assembly quickly and efficiently even easier. Finally, VEVOR’s differential spreader is made for Dana axles fit for series 30 to 80. With this high compatibility, there is no case you can’t handle.
In addition to its comfortable dimensions and relatively lightweight design at only 38.6 lbs (or 17.5 kg for those who like the imperial system), the VEVOR Differential Housing Spreader is our first and most affordable choice for our top five differential case spreaders. However, the other items on this list may have some specialties or unique features that you may not want to miss out on!
2. Mophorn Differential Housing Spreader
Mophorn is a sister company to VEVOR and offers products of similar quality to VEVOR. If you are looking for an alternative, Mophorn is another great choice.
Like VEVOR, Mophorn’s case spreader is an incredibly sturdy and durable piece of tech, with the dimensions and frame to make spreading housing easy, along with a broad application of uses. One of the benefits of getting the Mophorn Differential Housing Spreader over VEVOR is that Mophorn comes in various colors, all for the same price. If you are not jiving with the standard yellow frame, you can get your case spreader in solid black, grey, or teal blue. Mophorn also comes equipped with damage prevention to circumvent any damage that often comes from using homemade devices.
All in all, if you are looking elsewhere than VEVOR for a differential case spreader, then Mophorn is an excellent alternative.
3. DURASOLID Housing Spreader
While the rest of the items do not balance their qualities as well as VEVOR, they have their specialties that make it worth looking at.
The DURASOLID Housing Spreader is another good choice for people looking into case spreaders, with a unique-looking frame that would make it stand out on a shelf compared to other differential spreaders. If you are not that interested in aesthetics, then you would be happy to know that it possesses the same general features as the other case spreaders on this list, such as a portable and durable frame, wide application, and comfortable dimensions. The stud is also adjustable, which makes it adaptable for different situations when you need to spread housing for carrier assembly removal and installation.
DURASOLID is yet another excellent alternative in a list of good choices for those who need a suitable differential case spreader. However, we are not entirely done with the list, and it’ll start to get more interesting (and pricey!).
4. OTC Differential Spreader
Sometimes you need a product from a brand you can rely on, and OTC has you covered.
The appeal of the OTC Differential Spreader comes from the strength of its brand, OTC. Since 1925, the Owatonna Tool Company has had a proud heritage of items made from and in service to professional technicians, and you can feel it in their Differential Housing Spreader. Coming with a very sleek steel frame, this differential case spreader has all the features you want from one, including high durability, ease of use, and applicability, all at a premium price.
It is not the cheapest option on this list, but typically the costlier options have the heft and use to back up their price tag. You won’t go wrong with OTC, either!
5. Yukon Gear & Axle Differential Housing Spreader
Finally, there is the Yukon Gear & Axle Differential Spreader, and we are not saving the least for last.
Yukon Gear & Axle promises that their tools will “get the job done” and are “built to perform” and “built to last;” it’s hard to disagree with them! Immediately you may notice Yukon’s unique all-steel grey frame: this indicates the differential spreader’s greater-than-average durability and usefulness. Yukon is another great option for those who want to get the job done as easily and as soon as possible. The one hurdle would have to be a pretty hefty price tag, but if you are eager to get this item, then you will not be disappointed.
Like many housing spreaders, the Yukon Gear & Axle Differential Housing Spreader is another excellent option for you. But before we round this article up, we have just a few extra details to give that may answer any other questions you may have about differential case spreaders.
Different Types of Differential Case Spreaders
The most convenient thing about a differential case spreader is that you do not have to worry about which kind of getting or which spreader is necessarily better or more likely to work in certain situations. This axle machine has a universal shape and appearance, looking a lot like a frame you would hold your pictures or diploma. That is a fitting analogy too–the differential case spreaders are designed to make space for removing carriers and make the process that much easier.
But how exactly does a differential case spreader go about doing its job?
How Does the Differential Case Spreader Work?
Using a differential case spreader is relatively intuitive for those who have experience working with grease and axle. But to summarize, a case spreader uses its screws and picture frame-like design to help you spread carrier housing and assembly. Using this machine, you can comfortably pick it apart and lift a differential assembly from its carrier—hence, a differential case or housing spreader!
What Should You Look for When Buying a Differential Case Spreader
Since differential case spreaders all more or less share the same frame or function, looking for the one you need should be pretty easy as well. What you would want first and foremost is a spreader that can withstand the process of removing the carrier; this stat relies on the machine’s pressure. Next is that you would want to have a spreader that fits the dimension of the assembly–though like the spreaders, assemblies generally have the same dimensions.
Once you find the spreader you need, is it worth buying it?
Are Differential Case Spreaders Worth It?
If you do not need a differential case spreader, you can easily live without it. To many, that would make them worry about when they already have or when they need it. But rest assured that if you are already on the path to getting yourself a differential case spreader, the effort will be worth it.
It is always worth it to have an extra machine that will make working in the garage or your industrial labor job so much easier. We cannot stress the ease of use and application of a differential case spreader either!
FAQ about Differential Case Spreader
1. Can I use my differential case spreader on my Dana axles?
Yes! Generally, differential case spreaders work on most Dana axles, including axle models 30 through 70.
2. How do you use a differential case spreader?
We have given a rough instructional list in the section “How Does it Work?” that may answer your question.
