Differential gear replacement,
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
Likes: 2
From: UT
From what I understand, replacing differential ring and pinion isn't "difficult." However, getting the gears set-up properly (pinion depth, backlash, wear pattern, etc.) is very tedious, and the specs don't leave room for error. It has to be done right, or your brand new ring and pinion will be toast very quickly.
Note that, if it's 4WD, and you're changing the gear ratio, you have to do both axles, or effectively convert to 2WD.
Note that, if it's 4WD, and you're changing the gear ratio, you have to do both axles, or effectively convert to 2WD.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
The truck only has 125k miles on it. I think it wasn't done right from the factory. initial issue was the noise from rearend, took it in to a dealer and they opened rearend cover and said it was falling a part. they want $1200 to replace the 3rd member with non posi, they want a few hundled more for posi I guess.
it now makes noise and feels like gear is not matching right, I don't know if it will make it home. might just fell a part somewhere on the road. I'll enage 4wd and might help a little, maybe I should look for a rearend from junk yard.
it now makes noise and feels like gear is not matching right, I don't know if it will make it home. might just fell a part somewhere on the road. I'll enage 4wd and might help a little, maybe I should look for a rearend from junk yard.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 660
Likes: 0
I'd definitely go the junk yard route. Diffs can last 100,000s of miles so getting one with 50k or 75k should last the lifetime of your vehicle. Like mrshorty said be sure to get one with the same gear ratio as the one in your vehicle now.
Mason
Mason
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
it's tagged as 3L73 so it's 3.73, many of these around.
If I'm willing to travel I can buy one for $70 from this place in Ohio, as high as gas prics are I might just buy one from southern indiana for $100 since this one is only 120miles away.
If I'm willing to travel I can buy one for $70 from this place in Ohio, as high as gas prics are I might just buy one from southern indiana for $100 since this one is only 120miles away.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Picked one up from Southern Indiana last Friday for 100 bucks.
It's tagged as 93 Explorer 65k 3L73 but a bit rough. Broken brake lines and some nicks from handling.
I hope this thing doesn't make noise.
Will keep posted, Thanks for your help.
It's tagged as 93 Explorer 65k 3L73 but a bit rough. Broken brake lines and some nicks from handling.
I hope this thing doesn't make noise.
Will keep posted, Thanks for your help.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: USA
If there was a backlash/adjustment problem from the factory, you would have known about it LONG before 125,000 miles.
A properly set up rear will run, well, basically forever unless you flat-out break the thing.
On the other hand, one that isn't set up right will eat itself. Very, very quickly.
-Larry
A properly set up rear will run, well, basically forever unless you flat-out break the thing.
On the other hand, one that isn't set up right will eat itself. Very, very quickly.
-Larry
Originally Posted by 87f150xlt
The truck only has 125k miles on it. I think it wasn't done right from the factory. initial issue was the noise from rearend, took it in to a dealer and they opened rearend cover and said it was falling a part. they want $1200 to replace the 3rd member with non posi, they want a few hundled more for posi I guess.
it now makes noise and feels like gear is not matching right, I don't know if it will make it home. might just fell a part somewhere on the road. I'll enage 4wd and might help a little, maybe I should look for a rearend from junk yard.
it now makes noise and feels like gear is not matching right, I don't know if it will make it home. might just fell a part somewhere on the road. I'll enage 4wd and might help a little, maybe I should look for a rearend from junk yard.
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