Rebuilding Diffs
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Junior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 74
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From: Charlotte, NC
Rebuilding Diffs
I am considering rebuilding my front and rear diffs. The truck is a 1990 with a 302. I have only had the bronco for about 8 months now. It has 165000 miles on it and I don't know what kind of shape the diffs are in. It runs perfect just want to keep it that way. Any advice or concerns, I need to know about? Also they are stock (3.55s), If I'm gonna tear them down, I'm thinking of swapping to 4.11 with limited slip. What do ya'll think, worthwhile swap?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Independence, MO
Rebuilding Diffs
just my opinion, but if there not whineing/roaring bad, not leaking, then pull the rear cover inspect the ring, pion, and spider gears, if all looks good put in new axle seal maybe new axle bearings and drive it. as for as the front end i'd check the front hubs bearings ect. but remember the front diff only turn when your in four wheele drive so it dosent have near as many miles as the rest of the drive train. as far as the 4.11's
is it street driven a lot?, are you putting bigger tires?. i'm thinking bout putting 4.11's in mine but with 33" tires and AOD so it will still be very streetable. Thnx DW
is it street driven a lot?, are you putting bigger tires?. i'm thinking bout putting 4.11's in mine but with 33" tires and AOD so it will still be very streetable. Thnx DW
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
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From: Bend,OR
Rebuilding Diffs
i agree with dw , if its not broke no need to fix it. just inspect for wear and such and then make a decision then. I would change gears if you are going to run bigger tires or use the rig for towing and 4x4in mostly. not sure what tranny you have so that would determine what gears to install as well. if you have plans in the future for 35 then 4.56 gears would be needed .
later
later
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Junior User
Joined: May 2003
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From: Charlotte, NC
Rebuilding Diffs
Daily driver during the week and camping/fishing truck on weekends. It has an AOD tranny in it. Running stock tires now will go up to 31s when these wear out. After reading your responses, I think your right. If it ain't broke, don't screw with it. I'll just inspect and let it go. Its not broken now so I won't take the chance of breaking it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Gateway to the West
Rebuilding Diffs
DW's point about the front diff. is well taken. However, NOT using the front drive line periodically can be more detrimental than beating it up every weekend. I have seen front diff. assemblies that were chewed up from lack of use or such infrequent use that when it IS engaged, the gears are dry or sticky and they overheat or chew at each other til the gear oil is moving around. Dropping the pony into 4X once every few weeks is a good idea just to keep the front diff., axles and gears moving and lubed.
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From: Independence, MO
Rebuilding Diffs
greystreak92: that is a valid point as well, i can see where it would be a good idea to kick in the 4WD ocasionaly just to keep it lubed up good, i think i'll implement that into my regular maintence plan, Thnx for the insight! DW
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Rebuilding Diffs
If you have manual hubs you can also lock them in for a day or 2 to give the front diff a spin.
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Rebuilding Diffs
I left my hubs in for 2 days, appox. 500 miles and the xfer case lunched w/ no warning!
87 302 230000 miles Just coincidence?
Owners book says don't .
87 302 230000 miles Just coincidence?
Owners book says don't .
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Rebuilding Diffs
I left my hubs in for 2 days, appox. 500 miles and the xfer case lunched w/ no warning!
Locking the hubs with the t-case in 2WD just makes the front driveline spin in neutral. If the transfer case is in otherwise good shape locking the hubs will not cause it to die.
Over the long term (i.e. if you never unlocked the hubs), it will cause you front driveline to wear out quicker. It will also hurt your MPG because of the extra drag. That's why
Owners book says don't
