Going to pull the rear diff cover

[sparks57]

I want to pull the rear diff cover while my truck is down for... uh... repairs.



I want to look at the general condition of it.



What should I look out for? I have absolutely no experience with differentials.



What if I take a pic of it and post it on here?

 

[Stomp]

Last two time I took the cover off I had pinnion teeth in the bottom and metal shavings on the magnet. If you see those I think you will know what to do?



Stomp.

 

[dan brooks]

Hopefully you won't find anything like this.



There will be (or should be) a magnet inside the diff cover. Very fine particles (will look like a paste) are normal. Chunks, slivers, shims, and pieces of gear indicate a problem.

 

[REakin]

Well, unless something is really screwed up we can't tell by a picture. Pull the cover and grab the ring gear. Try to push it towards the left tire then push it towards the right tire, if it doesn't move your in pretty good shape. Really if it's not howling at the moon when you hit the interstate you should be good. Just keep fresh lube in it an make sure she's allways full!



If she does move from side to side pull out your axle shafts, grab yourself a 3/4" socket , make note which side is wich and top of both bearing caps ( they are allready marked with a letter, just be sure you can find it on both caps) pull the bolts out and the carrier and ring gear will fall out (HEAVY). Feel the sides where the bearing races sit, if it's all smooth, slam her back in and get her rebuilt ASAP. if it's got a nasty edge Call Quad 4x4 I think he can machine them, or start looking for a new housing. LOL Don't freak out though, I'm sure it's okay!

 

[sparks57]

Cool, thanks guys!

 

[Bluebird]

Diff Service...

Just my $. 02. I changed my diff oil today, used Valvoline 85-140w (I'm in So Cal 32-degrees and above from C/D manual). All looked and felt fine. You might want to spend a few bucks ($200. 00) an put a Mag-HyTech cover on. It comes with a cool built-in gasket. No need to put a gasket or sealer, just oil the seal like an oil/fuel filter, 20-25ft lbs on the bolts that are included in the kit, your good to go. Has a dip stick, draining screw, and extra capacity for oil. I think it's a good mod.

Good luck, I hope you find your diff in good shape

Patrick.

 

[sparks57]

Thanks for the tip. I was planning on adding mag covers, but I'm going to wait until I get a D80.



Thanks!