Rear Diff repair question.
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New User
Joined: Nov 2012
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Rear Diff repair question.
Hello all, brand new member here and I have a question regarding my newly acquired 1976 F-250 2WD.
I've been "gifted" it by my father...just after the rear differential ate itself and he had it towed to his house. He's used it for the past 5 or so years as a hauler for his swap meet runs and has just recently put basic maintenance care into it. I am excited to take it on, but first I have to get it to move...
I stopped by today and had a look:
The diff cover has a nice hole in it from something that had been shot out-gotta replace that.
Next I found that one of the spider gears and side gears are completely toast-scooped out the teeth, pinion shaft was chewed up and broken in two parts.
It looks that the case took a little damage as well.
My question: is it worth it to replace the parts or just replace the entire back end? My father has been suggesting the latter, but I am always willing to learn something new mechanically and would love to give it a go if it would be economically feasible.
Thoughts?
Thanks!
I've been "gifted" it by my father...just after the rear differential ate itself and he had it towed to his house. He's used it for the past 5 or so years as a hauler for his swap meet runs and has just recently put basic maintenance care into it. I am excited to take it on, but first I have to get it to move...
I stopped by today and had a look:
The diff cover has a nice hole in it from something that had been shot out-gotta replace that.
Next I found that one of the spider gears and side gears are completely toast-scooped out the teeth, pinion shaft was chewed up and broken in two parts.
It looks that the case took a little damage as well.
My question: is it worth it to replace the parts or just replace the entire back end? My father has been suggesting the latter, but I am always willing to learn something new mechanically and would love to give it a go if it would be economically feasible.
Thoughts?
Thanks!
Last edited by Snacktical; Nov 4, 2012 at 01:40 AM. Reason: Figured out some things...
Freshman User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 43
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I've setup a couple different differentials now and would suggest you get another used one. Takes several tools to setup the bearing preload and gear backlash properly. Seen a couple guys try and burn them up in the first trip out. There's plenty of used rear ends out there with lots of life left in them and they only take an afternoon to swap if everything matches up.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 9
From: Franklin, IN
Setting up gears is an extremely involved process. If you don't know what you are doing you will most likely end up in the same situation in a couple thosand miles.
I would swap in a junkyard unit. Around here they can be had for $100 all day long while the price to have the rear end professionally rebuilt will be north of $600 with parts and labor
I would swap in a junkyard unit. Around here they can be had for $100 all day long while the price to have the rear end professionally rebuilt will be north of $600 with parts and labor
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,250
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From: West Virginia
that truck probably has a dana 60 rear end. I have bought and sold them for as little as $50. Definitely not worth spending $100's on new parts and more $100's either getting them installed or buying the tools to do it properly at your house. I'd check the local craigslists.
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I appreciate your input, it is greatly helpful.
Also, to help further inquiries I believe I found out what went wrong. When taking pictures of the spider gears and pinion shaft I noticed the damaged spider gear had the chunk of the pinion shaft still in it-looks as though it had seized on the shaft and everything failed from there.
Hasteranger-Yes, the ring gear had Dana stamped on it, I figured it had to be a Dana 60 that I had read about.
Also I believe the ratio was not setup properly. The rear end currently on was a replacement from around a year or so ago. Since my dad only drives it on occasion it sounds about right that it had just failed like you all had described.
I pose another question: would a replacement Dana be the right way to go? I remember reading off a parts site that there can be a couple different diff setups depending on the exact model (all I know is that it is a '76 F-250 RWD).
Thoughts?
Also, to help further inquiries I believe I found out what went wrong. When taking pictures of the spider gears and pinion shaft I noticed the damaged spider gear had the chunk of the pinion shaft still in it-looks as though it had seized on the shaft and everything failed from there.
Hasteranger-Yes, the ring gear had Dana stamped on it, I figured it had to be a Dana 60 that I had read about.
Also I believe the ratio was not setup properly. The rear end currently on was a replacement from around a year or so ago. Since my dad only drives it on occasion it sounds about right that it had just failed like you all had described.
I pose another question: would a replacement Dana be the right way to go? I remember reading off a parts site that there can be a couple different diff setups depending on the exact model (all I know is that it is a '76 F-250 RWD).
Thoughts?
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,250
Likes: 10
From: West Virginia
I'd try to find a complete dana 60 off pretty much any 73-79 f250 or f350 with the exception of the "hi boy" trucks that had the narrow rear frame rails. depending on the gear ratio of yours, would be a chance to step up or down depending on your needs.
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Thank you Hasteranger, I will start looking around the local salvage yards.
As far as the gear ratio goes, where would I begin to look for this?
I ask because the truck has pretty much been run for the past 5 or so years with only the most basic of maintenance to keep it running.
My father has no manuals or really any previous knowledge other than the previous rear-end swap, some new tires, and general engine upkeep (lube, oil filter). He isn't even sure of the engine size.
My take is that it seems to be the most basic model '76 F-250, what would be the standard engine offered? I know it is a V-8, possibly a 390.
I am having him take a look later today (as it is being stored at his place), would anyone know a good site where I can find both a repair and owner's manual for cheap?
Again, thank you all for your help on this. I just want to ensure that the rear-end I put on is the correct one so I don't run into this same problem down the road.
Thanks!
As far as the gear ratio goes, where would I begin to look for this?
I ask because the truck has pretty much been run for the past 5 or so years with only the most basic of maintenance to keep it running.
My father has no manuals or really any previous knowledge other than the previous rear-end swap, some new tires, and general engine upkeep (lube, oil filter). He isn't even sure of the engine size.
My take is that it seems to be the most basic model '76 F-250, what would be the standard engine offered? I know it is a V-8, possibly a 390.
I am having him take a look later today (as it is being stored at his place), would anyone know a good site where I can find both a repair and owner's manual for cheap?
Again, thank you all for your help on this. I just want to ensure that the rear-end I put on is the correct one so I don't run into this same problem down the road.
Thanks!
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