Rear differential need rebuilt?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Rear differential need rebuilt?
I have already changed the fluid and added friction modifier for the factory LSD and i think at 186k miles the rear end is just worn out. After a highway trip (40-50 miles at 70-75mph) the rear end chatters around low speed corners again (as if there wasn't friction modifier in there or something) but after it sits for a day that issue goes away. Now when going around corners or "sliding" corners in snow I am hearding a clunking noise that sounds like something is rolling around in the box (but there is nothing back there). Anything else I can do to correct this issue? Or is it just time to have it rebuilt? I am not even sure where to go for a rebuild as I usually don't trust shops to work on my vehicles (I do all work myself, with the exception of differentials and transmissions).
#3
Ford Owner
It is not that hard of a job to change the differential. You just jack up the truck, pull both axles, and take out the bolts holding the differential and remove. There is most likely a youtube vidio out there that you can watch to see exactly how to do it. Since you have an older truck, I would go and get a used differential from a salvage yard. These usually don't go bad unless they have a lot of abuse, they get water in them, or somebody changes the oil run them for an extended period of time without friction modifier.
#4
Member
Thread Starter
I plan to keep this truck for a very long time, so if i go through the hassle I want a completely rebuilt rear end not a junk yard unit to get me by. I found a local place who I have heard great reviews about (I knew about them, but had forgotten because I always work on things myself) and they take pride in their work. $600 for clutch pack replacement, $1500 for complete rebuild (bearings, ring/pinion, clutch packs, everything) or $1800 for complete rebuild using detroit locker.
#5
I plan to keep this truck for a very long time, so if i go through the hassle I want a completely rebuilt rear end not a junk yard unit to get me by. I found a local place who I have heard great reviews about (I knew about them, but had forgotten because I always work on things myself) and they take pride in their work. $600 for clutch pack replacement, $1500 for complete rebuild (bearings, ring/pinion, clutch packs, everything) or $1800 for complete rebuild using detroit locker.