rear differential broke

[kevin77]

I have had a noise I have been tracking and I finally pulled the cover off of the rear differential and I have found the pinion drive gear all chewed up.

I pulled two 3/4" x 3/4" piece of metal out of the bottom of the differential and can see another one in the front - that all look like they came from the pinion and the pinion is missing parts and pieces off of it. The ring gear teeth are still all there but a couple of them have been pitted a bit.

I noticed that the bracket holding the passenger side axle bearing in the differential is loose. I imagine this is what killed it.

Also, how do I identify which axle this is? My RPO says it a 3.73 and a LIMITED SLIP (POSITRACTION) rear end. I see 9 1/2, 10 1/2 etc. Does this refer to the ring size?

Am I better off fixing this (if possible) or do I need a new axle?



Kevin

[Robyn]

With that much of a train wreck in there I would call a few bone yards and get another complete axle and drop in. 3.73 is a common gear set.

To rebuild yours is probably not cost effective at all as badly chewed as it is.

Since you found the cap loose this is not a good thing.

Good luck

Robyn

[More Power]

Your 3/4-ton Sub probably has the 10-1/2" rear axle. Like this one.



There is another 14-bolt rear axle, but it has a 9-1/2" ring gear and is a semi-floating axle. The diff cover on the 9-1/2" is more oval in shape. The 10-1/2" shown above is more peaked on the top and bottom, and the hubs stick through the mounted wheels a few inches.

Jim

[kevin77]

After checking Ebay, craigslist and a couple of boneyards, I am going to get my rear end rebuilt - I got a guy who works on 4x4's who can do it, replacing the ring and pinion, bearings, steam cleaning, labor and a detroit locker (came with a factory posi) for about $1,000 - Does that seem about right? I'm sure I could chop a bit out if I went to an open differential but then I couldn't play in the mud and snow

Kevin

[BowTieDmax]

I might have a 14 bolt 10 1/2 ring complete rear with disc brakes out of my wifes 2001 yukon xl. It has 3.73 gears. I might be doing a duramax/allison swap and I will have the bigger rear end to put in it. I will know more in a week or so. And I am thinking about 750.00 for the complete rear. The rear calipers, brakes and rotors are about 1 month old. It has 85,000 mile on it. And a factory gov-lock. if interested call me anytime at 440-563-6043

paul

[More Power]

The 10-1/2 FF is plenty strong enough for a Yukon XL with a Duramax/Allison.

Jim

[BowTieDmax]

Jim,

Thanks for the info. I might have a complete donar truck, so I fiquire I will keep the bigger and sell off the other. Will the auto transfer case hold up the the duramax? I am thinking not. This is whats behind the current 8.1 in my wifes truck now.

Paul

[kevin77]

The old suburban is up on the rack getting ready for a detroit locker - the locker is suppose to be delivered tomorrow morning and the rebuild will be complete early afternoon tomorrow.

Kevin

[kevin77]

Suburban is at home and I am at work - my wife picked it up today - I can't wait to drive it again.

Kevin