Rear differential replacement. The whole thing, not just the fluid. Ughhh

So, I was hauling my motorcycle home from the track last weekend when I started to hear the what I thought was the rear driver side drum brake start to sound like a dying animal because it was locking up. I just assumed that it was the brakes because the emergency brake barely worked, leading me to believe the rear brakes were gone. I pull over and, coming from the track, I had my tools with me. I pulled the drum off and the shoes and drum look fine. I was kinda dumbfounded. The truck still had the noise and a random popping sound that was pretty inconsistent when I tested it out again in the parking lot I pulled over in (this is 160+ miles from home, mind you). I got a tow because my girlfriend was with me and didn't want to put her at risk. And yes. It was expensive. So I check the diff fluid after getting the truck in the air to pull both sides off rear brakes off. Now, the kid I bought this truck from said he had recently took care of the rear end (I've had the truck since July) and my dumb face decided to just accept his word as fact on that. The diff fluid is low. Really low. I have to bend my index finger down all the way to even touch the oil with the tip of my finger. Oh, and it sounds like there's some noise coming from the rear end. I haven't been able to drain the oil yet, but if it does turn out to be bad, then my diff is likely done. I happened to notice there is no removable diff cover (that I can see), my Haynes manual has nothing about it, I don't see anything on the Googles for replacing the diff. So, how would one go about doing this? Replace the whole rear end assembly? Thanks in advance!

 

Easy job. Don't sweat it too much.

 

Yep, East Coast Gear Supply was great to work with. I replaced both my front and rear's after shredding my rear on the trail. it hurt the wallet a bit, but going with the full third is nearly fool-proof. If you have any thoughts about changing from stock 4.10/4.30's to 4.88's or more, the time is now, you'll just have to do both. (lift, armor, and tires 33" or bigger... you'll want to.)

Also, if you're ever stuck like that again and have the tools/time, pull the rear third, remove the pinion and/or ring, and as much of the large chunks as you can. Button it back up leaving the rear drive shaft disconnected, stick it in 4hi and keep it under 50mph (Take back roads home.)

 

Hahahaha I would do just that if I had more than two drive wheels . Which, I have to say, is making finding a diff hard. I am only seeing diffs for 4WD auto/manual. I have the 2WD manual trans. What is compatible?

 

The combination doesn't matter a whole lot. Just verify the gear ratio you have and get a matching one from a junkyard or car-part. Couple hundred bucks at most and you are back on your way.

 

rear diff replacement isn't bad, and should take a couple hours at the most if you have an extra set of hands. I am putting a whole new axle under my truck for the 2nd time, I think you will manage. GL!

 

It does if hes a 5 lugger. Then hed have the smaller 7.5" diff.

On another note. Its a good chance to regear and upgrade to a limited slip 

 

Be sure to get a third-member with the same gear ration, so you speedo/odo work properly.
Check the door jamb 'sticker' for the axle code.