Bad rear end?
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: SW Michigan
Bad rear end?
Today I went to change my u-joints, but when I went to take them loose I noticed that the seal on the front of the rear end was leaking and I can move the rear yoke 1/4 inch or more in and out.The truck has 250,000 on it . Is it better to replace the complete rear end or pay to have some one fix the problem? I have changed rear ends before but don't know about fixing the seal and what ever else is bad.About how much will a rear end go for at a parts yard?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 900
Likes: 3
In order to replace the pinion seal, you have to remove the pinion nut and remove the yoke, which disturbs the pinion depth adjustment. To readjust it properly, you'd need a dial indicator to measure backlash, gear marking compound to check the tooth contact pattern and some shims or a crush sleeve and a torque wrench for proper pinion bearing preload. I've seen some people remove the yoke, pop in a new seal, and put the yoke back on. I don't know if they have plenty of experience, or just luck, or just don't care. If you have that many miles on it, I'd look into having it rebuilt by a "reputable" shop. If you have the type with a removable pumpkin, it's that much easier. Pop in a rebuilt pumpkin and replace your axle bearings and seals and you're done, all while leaving the rear end housing in the truck.
