2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Helpful hint for us all?

[Kiohio]

Please correct me if I am thinking wrong... ...

I have reread as many "Rearend" threads as I can.

The thing that seems to happen more than anything else is trashed "spider" gears.



Also they are high mileage (mostly).

Am I right thinking that what could be happening is the "Powr-Lok" plates are the thing killing these rearends?

From the looks of mine, it had been serviced (lube) not long ago.

BUT from the looks of the plates, they had never been replaced.

Wedge into my "spiders" were pieces of the clutch plates.

I can't think of any reason why the spiders would go out and everything else stay intact.

UNLESS something is being thrown into the "spiders".

IE: Clutch "steels" material.

I also think this probably makes the classic "bearing spin" happen more easily.

When material drops into the "spiders" SOMETHING is gonna stop... . then go.



A good rule of thumb may be to actually tear the rearend down at 75k and replace the clutch packs.



If this has already been stated or recommended, I didn't mean to restate.

I am also no expert, I'm just looking at this as a new guy (not much vehicle rearend experience).

I would just hate for someone to go thru what I am, needlessly.

If I had known about it, I would have changed them ASAP... .

Actually if I had known about it, I'd have put it off until I heard the first "POP"





Let me know what Y'all think.....



KO