The diff flange that comes on the VE Diff has to be changed as it is too big and hits the handbrake cable mount in rotation.
The CR manual details the fitment of Ford BA Diff Flange part number (BA4851A).
The part was impossible to locate second hand without buying a complete M86 Ford Diff, so a new one was purchased, parts are limited in availability as the part is no longer manufactured.
The Ford part however didnt fit without modification, the dust cover isnt pressed on far enough for the shaft to seat on the Diff Pinion Bearing, and the shaft diameter is smaller than the VE part meaning it doesn't seal against the Pinion Seal. The VE shaft is 55mm, the BA part is 54mm.
After scouring the web, found a suitable oil seal, SKF21283, 54x80x10 which will do the job perfectly.
The standard VE Commodore Diff Flange is too big, it hits the handbrake cable mount during rotation.
In this photo, the dust cover has been pressed off and the dust cover stepped area above the diff seal shaft area has been lengthened by 3mm.
The Diff Pinion Seal needs replacing with smaller shaft ID of 54mm to suit the Ford diff flange shaft.
The original seal is easy to remove by inserting a flat blade screw driver behind the lip seal and levering outward.
Universal Seal Part Number is 21283, made by either SKF, CR, Timken etc.
54x80x10 Single Lip Oil Seal
Done.
