Rear Diff a "Bomb"

[msark]

I was told by my service folks that my rear end is "wearing" which is common for this model ... Looked inside last week when changing the fluid... Called by them the "bomb" as you never know when it will explode. They said to replace the rear "u" joint, the yoke, the bearing carrier and bearings to the tune of 900.00 .... the 97 Tahoe 4x4 had 86,000 miles, always here in California... Will be use in CT at college by my daughter for the next 3 years... I just need it for 15,000 more miles which they said I might get... Thoughts??

 

[SunlitComet]

Don't wait for it to blow.

 

[Freedom Motorsports]

Did you have metal chips or shavings inside when you inspected it? If so I say fix it. If they have worn enough to cause that kind of damage then the spider gears especially could go at any time.

 

[purple 'hoe]

Not too uncommon for 10 bolts to "grenade". Even on stock trucks. If you don't have metal shavings, you should be ok though.

 

[retorq]

I would do the ujoint for sure, the rear I would get a second opinion on ... I bet they are trying to fleece you.

Besides that, if they fix it in CA and she drives to CT and there is a problem then what?? I would get it fixed in CT if at all ...

 

[SunlitComet]

This is why I say replace it now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Zit49L-7_A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr_00EQBx7I


Do you wait for this to happen when your daughter is at school away from home?

 

[msark]

They found a small amount of metal... They didn't think that the diff had ever been opened before. Told it would likely go 20,000 if not taken off road. What is the best replacement without going broke? Is the only option to replace the lesser system that is in there? Any rebuilt units for exchange??

 

[retorq]

Unless it's a posi unit the only thing in there needing to be swapped is bearings and the ring and pinion ... even if you got used gears they would have to be setup from scratch for your housing. It's the same amt of work whether the parts are new or used. Used gears are something most people stay away from anyways.

 

[dsltrc]

The question I think he's asking is, is there something else that can be put in to replace the"GOV BOMB"... to which I am curious about myself... I would think that installing a used 14bolt might be the better way to go... but then wheels might not work and the ratio would be off from the front axle.

 

[msark]

You are correct... don't want to replace the "bomb"... Looking for a substitute .....