hey all i posted a few weeks ago about a knocking i had in the rear end of my truck. Well i found the problem and it isn't good. The pinion screw in the rear end snapped causeing the pinion shaft to slide freely. When i took of the diff plate the fluid was very metalicy. once i had the plate off what i was looking at was a nawed up pinion shaft on each end. The pinion gear has torn up both ends of the shaft and because of the slop the shaft warped the holes in the carrier assembly. luckely i didn't drive the truck very long after i new when the problem started so the metal didn't tear my gears are apart.

So i am starting to look for parts and i haven't checked out any junkyards yet. one because it has been about 10 degrees outside up here in michigan and i am see what my other options are before having to go wrenching out in the snow.

I have been looking on line but i am not finding much so if anybody has any helpful sites maybe send me a link and let me know any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

It will cost you more and take more time to fix your current rearend than to go to the junkyard and get a used replacement rearend. The swap is simple, doing repairs to your rearend requires specialized tools and knowledge to set up the new differential.

I realize the cold weather now does not make it any easier, especially outside at junkyard.

 

i was thinking about that as another option. i have already looked around in my area and have found about two rear ends. don't know if they will work yet but i think one was 250 and the other one the guy was asking 350. so your saying its going to be cheaper and easier to just do a axle swap and not mess with swapping out the carrier?

 

Check out drivetrainspecialists.com for parts. However I would think swapping in a complete axle is the way to go as already advised. If your truck is 4x4 make sure you get the same axle ratio.

 

Parts and labor add up quick if you are paying someone to do the work. Unless you can do the differential work and replace the carrier, best to replace the whole rearend. Especially since once yours is apart, you will probably find bearings and seals that need to be replaced as well. How much of those metallic particles are floating around and could cause future problems?

You can swap the rearend yourself with basic tools at your house. As suggested, make sure the ratio will work with your truck. CHeck craigslist and other sources as well as junkyards. I am sure you can find a rearend that will work and ultimately save money.

 

Here is a site I use for reference.
Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market

 

alright well thanks everyone for the input and i think swapping out the rear axle is the best way to go. while i am at it i have been wanting to put a solid axle up in the front. today i found a dana 60 front and rear pair on craigslist for $900 so while i got it in my shop good time to do it i guess. Would anyone know of any good threads on here to refer to about the solid axle swap?

 

hey everyone thanks for the thought. i think the rear axle swap is going to be my best bet. i have also been wanting to swap out the twin i beam for a solid axle in the front. i have got my eye on a pair of dana 60's on craigslist for $900, but with christmas around the corner its going to have to wait till the new year. anyone know any good front axle swap threads. o and lazy k it is 4x4. so i know i have to match the gears but if i do go with the swapping out both of them i will be looking for a pair if i can find them.

 

If your anywhere near Cass City, i know their was a 4wd king cab dually F350 there you could probly rob the axles out of.......

 

Front axle swap is easy.
Unbolt everything, pull it out.

Roll 60 under it and bolt it right back in place.

The 60 needs a bracket under the axle on the drivers side, the U bolts go thru it.
You have to get that bracket with the axle.

The 60 tie rods need to be used.

The trac bar should be installed, makes it drive a lot better.

Use new U bolts.

Front drive shaft should bolt right back in on the 60.

If the 60 axle is 92 or later, the calipers should even fit.

Ring gear, trac lok, pinion, bearings, seals, axle cleaned out and parts installed, 1300 dollars parts and labor.
And the guy that did it gave me a very good deal.

 

alright that was my only question about the front axle swap with bolting everything up and steering linkage. Now i can't wait to get started on this thank. thanks again everyone for input.

no i don't live near cass city. i am in fremont, mi about 40 minutes north of grand rapids.

 

ah. Well cant say I know any good jyards around there

 

there are no 1980 thru 1997 ford f 350 4x4's in exhistance in any junkyard in the entire western half of ohio that i could find. i called every one of em. there really arnt any good junkyards anymore. all of that good old 'junk' took the trip when scrap prices went back up.

 

Cadillac casting inc in cadillac michigan makes ford expedition diff carriers every week here hope this helps. I actually work in the foundry and i hate them lol they are a bitch to process.. pretty cool to see someone needing a part that i make everyday though