Help diagnosing a rear diff issue

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Author Message   Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 593 Registered: 08-2002 Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2003 - 12:46 pm:    What does it mean if you can turn the rear differential pinion by hand (of course the rear drive shaft has been removed). Also what if you remove the axle bolts (5 on outside center of each wheel) and you can turn the axles by hand?   Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 602 Registered: 08-2002 Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2003 - 02:37 pm:    Any ideas on this? Any advice?   Bill Bettridge (Billb) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Billb Post Number: 1007 Registered: 02-2002 Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2003 - 03:30 pm:    Blown diff - ring gear or spider gears. Any remants in the oil? Bill   Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 603 Registered: 08-2002 Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2003 - 03:41 pm:    I will be draining it later, will see then. I assume that the diff needs to be pulled for further diagnosis?   Mike Rupp (Mike_rupp) Senior Member Username: Mike_rupp Post Number: 262 Registered: 02-2002 Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2003 - 03:53 pm:    1. Drain Oil 2. Remove rear driveshaft and axles. 3. Unbolt the third member and remove. Assuming that what you say above is correct, you will be able to see what is wrong right away.   Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 604 Registered: 08-2002 Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2003 - 04:06 pm:    What is the easiest way to catch and remnants when draining the oil? I assume that removing the 3rd member is the entire differential assembly, true? Removal done by removing all the bolts around the diff (looks like about 10) and pulling it off. Can I screw something up by just pulling it off?   Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 378 Registered: 04-2003 Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2003 - 04:14 pm:    I always strain my oils through a spaghetti strainer placed in a bucket or try a metal mesh grease-splatter lid for a frying pan or a window screen or panty hose   Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 605 Registered: 08-2002 Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2003 - 04:37 pm:    Thanks Blue. Hey those wicked weasel mesh panties have an alternate use! Well, we'll see what is broken in there could be a few things I guess (ring, cross bar, housing...). Anyone out there been there done this, have recommendations on what should be done while in there? Of course my good friend that this happened to was not planning on spending a bundle, but lockers sure would be tempting if a lot of it is toast.   Mike Bauer (Mikeb) Member Username: Mikeb Post Number: 96 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Thursday, August 28, 2003 - 09:34 pm:    Breaking the seal on the 3rd member can be tricky since they probably use some sort of liquid gasket to seal it. I used a ratchet strap attached to the pinion and the front cross member and a rubber mallot to get mine off. Good luck! Mike B.   Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 620 Registered: 08-2002 Posted on Friday, August 29, 2003 - 10:31 am:    Just put a jack under it and jack to break the seal. I had the 3rd member out in less than 20 minutes.