Rebuild front diff or buy used?

I think my front diff output shaft bearing is going bad. The truck has been giving the same symptoms as some 2nd Gen owners on here... vibration in the floor at 25-35 mph, but doesn't occur in 4wd. Is it a lot of work to rebuild a front diff? Mine is 4.10 gear ratio, open diff, 7.5". Cost of a rebuilt one from east coast supply is $600 and a rebuild kit is $250. Is there anyways of finding a used one on here? I have a buddy that is pretty knowledgeable to help me rebuild and install it.

 

I would rebuild it with a locker!

 

I'm new to the forum, what's a locker? How long does it take to rebuild a diff?

 

Rebuild with a new 3rd member from East Coast Gear Supply with ARB air locker!!!

A locker provides power to both front wheels when in 4 wheel drive.

 

This^^^ ARB all the way, the locker will cost you around 900 but im pretty sure it comes with everything you need including the compressor....I want one. the only downfall is offfroad you will just need tot ake it somewhat easy on it cause youll start snapping axles if your not carefull but the added traction would be hella sweet from personal experience with the rear locker in mine...night and day!

Oh and welcome to TW, there is plenty of knowledge to be learned here!
Check out the first gen builds section for some good ideas of your own truck

 

The ARB locker sounds sweet! Is it better to just buy a rebuilt one from East Coast Supply than doing out myself with the kit. I called ECGS earlier this week, they were very helpful. I read on a post that a guy replaced his own output shaft bearing in his front diff using a slide hammer, looked like a bitch!

 

I would just buy the pre-built diff from ECGS with an ARB. Its about 1400. This is what im doing in a month or so.

 

Yea ARB is the way to go, just expensive..and if you have someone available that is knowledgable enough to help you rebuild it i would just get the locker and rebuild kit and go at it yourself..its a good learning experience as well and if you ever had to rebuild it again or do the rear you wouldnt be lost in space tryign to figure it out..just make sure to do it on a weekend or something wehn you wont be busy and can sit down and get it done

edit: or just do what rebel said...didnt realize it came rebuilt with the locker. Havent really looked into all that too much yet since its a little ways down the road for me

 

ps it doesn't come with a compressor - you have to purchase that separately.

 

Rebuilding a diff is very diffacult to get right. Just because its looks right doesnt mean it is and can be a very costly repair. However, I havn't done one myself. I dont have the know-how.