Abstract: A differential axle assembly including a differential carrier rotably supported on bearings within a differential carrier. Each bearing has a standardized outside diameter, and is held in place in the carrier with a bearing cap. The bearings are secured within the differential carrier in semi cylindrical bearing recesses that are machined independently from the bearing caps. The bearing caps are each formed with a bearing recess substantially equal in size to the machined bearing recess in the differential carrier. The bearing caps are formed to a finished size prior to installation on the differential carrier. The finished dimensions of the bearing cap are of a predetermined standard size to allow placement of the bearing cap indifferent to orientation on the differential carrier.