Rear differential replacement help

[02ncHoe]

My 05 z71 has 251k on it and the rear diff whine has finally gotten loud enough for me to want to do something about it. It’s not my daily driver but want it to be ready if need be. My mechanic has suggested not rebuilding but replacing with a remanufactured Jasper. 1900.00 for the diff and 400 for the swap. Not real
crazy about Jasper after reading the reviews about their engines and trannys. Has anyone had any experience with Jasper rear ends? Any other suggestions? Powertrain products is the other company I see advertised a lot and was quoted basically the same price for the diff from them.

 

[Mechanic421]

Were do u live? I live south east Florida. I have a 05 rear axle used, but no noises. About 160,000 complete less brakes. I replaced it with one I had a lot of new parts in.3.73 open diff two speed sensors. I would recommend new axle seals and bearings. I am looking to get 400.00. Also air lift air bags and stock coil springs come with it.

 

[02ncHoe]

Thanks for the offer. I have 3.42 and limited slip and would like to replace with the same.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

Thanks for the offer. I have 3.42 and limited slip and would like to replace with the same.

TruTrac FTW.

 

[swathdiver]

My 05 z71 has 251k on it and the rear diff whine has finally gotten loud enough for me to want to do something about it. It’s not my daily driver but want it to be ready if need be. My mechanic has suggested not rebuilding but replacing with a remanufactured Jasper. 1900.00 for the diff and 400 for the swap. Not real
crazy about Jasper after reading the reviews about their engines and trannys. Has anyone had any experience with Jasper rear ends? Any other suggestions? Powertrain products is the other company I see advertised a lot and was quoted basically the same price for the diff from them.

So what needs replacing? The ring and pinion and or the bearings or the center chunk components?

 

[mikeyss]

I have a Jasper rear in my 05 tahoe. I'm going on 4 years with it and no issues. When I was a service advisor for an independent shop, I always used Jasper over the years and never once had any issues with their engines, trans, or rear ends.

 

[SnowDrifter]

Those diffs aren't difficult to rebuild. I'd shop around, sounds like he may not have experience or tools in doing diffs, hence the desire for a swap over. I'd expect a rebuild to be in the 800-1100 range out the door

 

[02ncHoe]

Pinion bearing is what’s squealing. Mechanic was going to order a rebuild kit but suggested replacing the entire diff if I was going to keep it. He figured 8 plus hours of labor to rebuild and couldn’t guarantee he’d get all the metal frags out. He said the replacement diff would come in at half the labor and would be completely rebuilt and warrantied.

 

[02ncHoe]

Those diffs aren't difficult to rebuild. I'd shop around, sounds like he may not have experience or tools in doing diffs, hence the desire for a swap over. I'd expect a rebuild to be in the 800-1100 range out the door

That’s exactly what he quoted me and I agree about his confidence. I don’t think he’s done many. I’m definitely seeking a second opinion.

 

[SnowDrifter]

8+ sounds quite high for a diff rebuild. I'd question the labor guide he's using.

Getting metal out of the diff ain't difficult. There are no odd nooks or crannies. Just pull the rear axle shafts out the rest of the way rather than half way and run some rags through the thing with a broom handle. Sweep into the center then clean out.

Half off on labor means nothing. Saving $400 to spend $1500.

Really sounds to be like he just doesn't want to do the rebuild for XYZ reason. And a no-warranty implication of "the new one will be warrantied" gives me pause. I'm sticking with my recommendation to shop around.

Edit: To be clear - not ragging on the guy. Some folks just don't do gears often enough to feel comfortable doing it. That's where I was w/ my front diff when I made the decision to swap in a rebuilt unit. Hindsight I should have done it myself but they're tricky things and I pussed out.