differential rebuild?

[mr_joe]

Hi, I have a problem with a 97 ford ranger XLT 2.3L. There is a low grinding sound coming from the rear axle and you can just feel the resistance when driving. I was told it's probably the differential. Per the door tag code for the axle (87) the axle specs are as follows:

description = open 7.5"
capacity = 2750
ratio = 4.10

I've looked into rebuild kits, replacing the whole axle an option to just replace the differential. What I don't know is what to replace. Is there possibly anything that may need to be done other than rebuilding the differential (since we've driven it a few hundred miles while it's had the grinding issue). I'm hoping driving it hasn't caused other problems. Also, does anyone know about how many hours the repair (depending on what replacements are made) would usually take? Thanks for your time.

 

[4x4junkie]

Usually when something goes haywire with an axle (differential), its generally more cost-effective to replace the whole thing with an axle from a salvage yard than to try to rebuild it.

Reason being... Setting up a new set of gears is fairly labor-intensive (plus making sure the housing is completely clean beforehand). Every bearing (and likely the axle shafts too) would need to be replaced as well. You'd likely be looking at well over $700 vs. maybe $200 for a used axle complete.

 

[Earl43P]

Plus you could upgrade to a limited slip and 8.8" will bolt right up, widening your choices. I'm pretty sure the driveshaft flange is the same, but even if not, just one more simple part replacement. Throw new Ujoints and U-bolts, bleed the brakes and go. I think the brakes/drums get bigger with the 8.8.


http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Fall2003/Out_with_the_old_in_with_the_new.htm

Link for a similar set-up.^^

 

[mr_joe]

You've both been a big help. Thanks so much.

 

[blurangkid]

I just had an issue with my diff as well. I brought to the shop and they told $1500 for a new rear end. I tore it all apart and found the cross pin was broken. I was able to get the parts same day from local ford dealer and had it all back together for just over $60 bucks. I would suggest at least taking diff off just to see what you got going on in there!

Check out this pic! Have you ever seen a cross pin BREAK before the lock bolt! weird...

 

[Hahnsb2]

Check out this pic! Have you ever seen a cross pin BREAK before the lock bolt! weird...

Yep, happens all the time on 7.5s, especially the notched ones.
Here's the full pin I broke behind a 4.0 with a Lock-Right.

 

[blurangkid]

yea, i got an unnotched pin and just grinded down the ring gear a little to get it in. I think its worth the little effort to have a full pin!