Front diff- need info/advice

sherlock · Post by **sherlock** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 6:03 pm

I had a half shaft pop out and score the inner surface that the shaft sit on in the front diff. Was wondering if I bought a diff from a non 4wd if that part might interchange. I've never taken apart a front diff and don't know if the part is part of the gear itself or some kind os sleeve. 4wd wagons are getting hard to find.
My climer doesn't show a very good breakdown drawing. I hate to just shove another shaft in there- it might get damaged by the wear surface.
thanks!!

Gasoline Fumes · Post by **Gasoline Fumes** » Tue Jul 26, 2005 10:24 pm

I'm pretty sure they're the same. I'd use your old ring gear on the replacement diff to keep them as a matched set.

takza · Post by **takza** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 4:32 am

If you just had the spline slip out and the snap ring wasn't chewed up...I'd just flush the diff to get any metal out...put on a new snap ring...if the axle spline is still OK....and reinstall it.

You are talking about the carrier? It runs on the 2 side bearings...while the axles are held by the splines....might try putting it in there without the snap ring as a test...goes in OK...install it?

You are saying that the inside of the carrier was scored? ...probably not a big deal...since this part isn't really "in use" when the diff is together right.....post a pic?

sherlock · Post by **sherlock** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 9:24 am

Must be the inside of the carrier you describe- it's scored pretty bad. If the spline actually holds it in then maybe its ok. I was thinking that the carrier wear might let the shaft wobble a bit and allow a lot more oil to hit the seal causing an oil leak.
I think I can flush the tranny and hope for the best but would rather get a diff
from the boneyard and do it right. Was going to do the clutch and shifter seal eventually anyway. Time to do some research- anyone got a break down drawing
of a diff? Don't realish the idea of trying to yank a diff out a wreck at picknpull.
Maybe I can find one with the tranny alreay pulled. Hah!

Typrus · Post by **Typrus** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 11:10 am

takza · Post by **takza** » Wed Jul 27, 2005 6:10 pm

Sounds like it came out and you tried to drive it? Might try to get a measurement on the inside bore of the carrier (dealer?)...it does help to hold the end of the axle...could have vibration problems.

I'd put it in there and compare how loose it is with the other side...most higher mileage FWD cars have a lot of slop on the inner end of the axle...same with IRS RWD too.

Had an Escort that was real loose on both sides...but didn't notice a thing driving it.

But scoring might just look bad with little metal lost? Taking the diff apart could lead to bigger problems....IMO.

You could 'knurl" the surface of the axle that rides in the carrier...I've used a pointed punch to do this manually...upset the metal evenly all around the circumference...upset it too much and you can tap it down with a hammer.