How to tell if a rear diff is toast?

[dashhho]

I am having a hard time getting the c-clip back on. Can I take one of these S shaped things off? It would give me some more room.

 

[scotts90ranger]

The S spring is one piece and there is no way to get it out without getting the C clips out and the axle shafts out of the way

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

The S spring is one piece and there is no way to get it out without getting the C clips out and the axle shafts out of the way

With both axle shafts pulled out so the C-clips are tight against the side gears, I have with vice grips and pry bars and a whole lot of cussing, managed to get that S-spring out and back in. I didn’t think I’d be able to do the C-clips otherwise. I might try getting the C-clips without removing the spring next time though.

 

[Uncle Gump]

So opinons on when I put the diff cover back on. I do have a fel-pro gasket for it. Should I gasket or use black RTV?

I prefer to use the gasket. RTV works well enough... but clean up when/if you have to go back in is much worse then using a gasket.

 

[dashhho]

With both axle shafts pulled out so the C-clips are tight against the side gears, I have with vice grips and pry bars and a whole lot of cussing, managed to get that S-spring out and back in. I didn’t think I’d be able to do the C-clips otherwise. I might try getting the C-clips without removing the spring next time though.

So I think I know the issuse I have. The "repair" bearing assembly sticks out of the axle about 1/8" to 1/4" inch. So now when I push the axle in it goes less deep into the differential. I think it impossible to get the clip on without removing the S-Spring. I am really not that happy with how the repair assembly sits and the seal in it. I think I will go and by the bearings and seal separately.

 

[dashhho]

Well I took the "repair assembly" out and put in the normal bearing and then a seal. The axle pushed in far enough to put the c-clip on easily with the s-clip in the differential. Just FYI for the next guy.

 

[Curious Hound]

 

[Lefty]

I spent a couple summers looking for a decent junkyard limited slip differential. I never bought one. All of them leaked. There might have been a few that didn't, but judging from the overall condition, they were thrashed out anyway. No doubt all those Ranger owners didn't know or didn't care. They had probably scrapped them for other reasons anyway. My conclusion is that rear differentials must be the most rugged parts of the drivetrain.