Rear Differential

[Fisher2989]

So my rear end has been making a whining/whirring noise lately. Took the Libby to the shop and they diagnose it as the pinion bearing and they suggest that I get a brand new rear end. I've been told that it will be significantly cheaper to take it to a transmission shop and let them re-build or to salvage a used one from a scrap yard. I think I'd probably like to do the latter because I am more able to do that myself where as I think I would have trouble taking apart the whole rear axle to replace the bearing and possibly the gears. Does anyone have any suggestions/words of advice?

 

[CzarKJ]

Was about 800 to completely rebuild my rear end when my pinion went. That's including a lsd install though.

 

[LibertyTC]

At how many miles did your gears pack it in? Was your original an open or trac-lok?

 

[ElCheapo]

Like you, I prefer to do as much as possible myself, diff's aren't one of those things!
It's usually not easy to find a low mileage rear diff, from a boneyard, but look anyways. Also check a couple axle shops for rebuild prices, if you remove it and bring it in it will be cheaper. You might find out it's not too much more to have yours rebuilt rather than install a used one, plus that way you know what you have.

 

[CzarKJ]

Wouldn't remove it. Rear is easy to get to on a lift. Definitely check on rebuild prices. Buying one you might get a dud and then still need a rebuild.