Rear differential replacement follow up questions

Hey...in an earlier post I asked about replacing the 3rd member and the feedback and direction was great. It failed as I was pulling into the driveway. So I ordered a 3rd member from east coast and am waiting for it to arrive. Today I pulled the 3rd member following the various write ups on this forum which made it so much easier. I do have the following questions,

... I've never worked on a rear differential so just curious what do you think went wrong, why and do I need to do anything to avoid it again...see pictures

...does the writing/markings indicate that the existing unit has been rebuilt

....how does East coast determine if the core is rebuildable and what parts do they actually replace?

....the little gear on the elocker looks like 1 or 2 teeth might be slightly worn, but not sure. Anything to worry about or should I replace...see pictures

... when I move the elocker over to the new unit do I need to use any gasket material as it looks like there may have been something there originally where you see the red coloring

... there's a small black plastic tube that goes into the top of the elocker unit, does it just get pushed into unit or do I need to put some grease or something on it?

... I believe the elocker was engaged in 4wd when it broke. Do I need to do anything specific when I reinstall it or will the system sense its position and make everything sync?

thanks for any replies

 

Dab a drop or two of WD-40 or similar lubricant on the tube to help slide it on, that's all it needs.

I'd recommend to clean all the grease and contaminants that's on the Elocker gear for further inspection. Not able to determine the condition from the picture shown. If it's just wear without any chips or fractures I would say nothing to worry about.

There isn't a gasket used on the Elocker motor assembly, just an O-Ring that is under the gear. Rule of thumb with O-Rings replace if it's flat and not round. The O-ring in the picture looks okay to re-use.

 

Thanks monkeyproof...I cleaned up the elocker gear and there's no damage and I'll clean up the oring and put some lubricant on it as well.... your post on how to replace the 3rd member is excellent... thanks