Rear Diff Rebuild or....
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 206
From: South Eastern Michigan
Rear Diff Rebuild or....
The big question. I have a 2001 with, I believe, a 10.5" Sterling rear end. I know it needs axle bearings but Im hearing other noises as well. I can only describe it as a "bobbling" sound when floating (not accelerating or decelerating). If you have ever used a tootsie roll for sanding an ID on a part and it catches causing it to bounce around the ID of the part, kind of like that. Mainly happens over 60 or so. Its not the rear drive shaft as I just had that fully serviced. Its not the balance on the wheels, just done. Im thinking its a large amount of lash in worn gears and it feels like it as well. So, the question is, is it worth having mine serviced, find a used one and have it serviced or replace with new/rebuilt unit?? I guess I could do this myself, I have access to all the needed tools but having never set up a rear end before, Im a bit nervous. I feel quite capable as I know how to do just about everything else, just dont know the ins and outs.
Opinions and suggestions welcome. Thanks!
Opinions and suggestions welcome. Thanks!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 17
Unless you know the extent of the damage and exactly what's going on, it's kind of hard to recommend a path to take. Personally I would keep the existing rear and fix it, any donor spare would need to be gone through completely before swapping and that could cause more issues and heartache than it's worth in the end. Brake lines, calipers, and rotors in good shape, rear end ratio matching... all things to consider and still not all of them.
Gear work isn't hard, but it is extremely tedious. I've done about 12 sets now and I have gone back to farming it out to a good shop instead. Only set that ever went awry was my very first set, and I got the coast side pattern a little off. It was caught before any damage occurred, but I was lucky. I just don't like doing it anymore. I would strongly recommend you have someone that's done MORE than two sets do it while you watch so you can take notes. Just too much can go wrong if something gets overlooked...
My vote is get the existing rearend rebuilt, and if you can swing it - rip out the stock posi and throw a real locker or limited slip in there while it's apart.
Gear work isn't hard, but it is extremely tedious. I've done about 12 sets now and I have gone back to farming it out to a good shop instead. Only set that ever went awry was my very first set, and I got the coast side pattern a little off. It was caught before any damage occurred, but I was lucky. I just don't like doing it anymore. I would strongly recommend you have someone that's done MORE than two sets do it while you watch so you can take notes. Just too much can go wrong if something gets overlooked...
My vote is get the existing rearend rebuilt, and if you can swing it - rip out the stock posi and throw a real locker or limited slip in there while it's apart.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 206
From: South Eastern Michigan
That's good advise. I thing what I'm going to do at this point is replace the wheel bearings and change the dope. I'll measure the lash and see if there is any damage. I have other things that need doing so in time I'll collect parts to do the center. A Tru-Trac and a new set of gears sound like a future project..... For a professional.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,250
Likes: 10
From: West Virginia
Pull the cover and take a look. If there is metal in the fluid (use a magnet) then she's done.
As far as rebuild, around here I can get a 10.5 for under $250. For that price is a no brainer to me to swap axles. You can't even buy gears alone for that, let alone the necessary install kit. Sterlings are very robust so I'd feel good about putting a used one under mine. I wouldn't waste time and money on a rebuild on such a cheap axle.
As far as rebuild, around here I can get a 10.5 for under $250. For that price is a no brainer to me to swap axles. You can't even buy gears alone for that, let alone the necessary install kit. Sterlings are very robust so I'd feel good about putting a used one under mine. I wouldn't waste time and money on a rebuild on such a cheap axle.
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