in2h2o
Los Alamitos, Ca
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Joined: 08/17/2001
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I just bought a 86' Tioga Class C on a Chevy 3500 chassis. The rear differential is shot. It has 4:10 gears. I am on a really tight budget and I have a couple of questions...a mechanic can get a used one for $700 and he will charge me just $200 to install it-6 month guarantee. Is that a good price? and should I change to 3:73 gears? I don't plan to tow anything heavy?
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cm
Dillon, CO USA
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Joined: 08/01/2002
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You need to define what you mean by "The rear differential is shot."
How do you know that the used differential is in good shape? Will the mechanic inspect it or just install it. Will the brakes match your existing set up? What shape are they in?
Depending on what is wrong it might be better to rebuild the existing rear end.
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recycler
michigan
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unless your mechanic is getting a rearend out of a low mileage wreck or motorhome chances are it will be more wore the the one in your unit.. stay with the 4:10 gear it is likely at or near max gvw so it can use it
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in2h2o
Los Alamitos, Ca
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good questions. The gears are worn with lots of metal shavings evident. Regarding knowing the condition of the used Diff.-the mechanic works with someone he has worked with before and he will open and verify the gears. He will stay with which every axle has the better brakes. The cost includes that. I have decided to stay with the 4:10 gears especially since the Class C only has a 350 v8
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crankshop1000
se michigan
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The price seems fair for a good replacement.
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MEXICOWANDERER
las peñas, michoacan, mexico
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Joined: 06/01/2007
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A few tips...
Have them install a new pinion seal and make sure the seal surface on the driveshaft pinion yoke does not have a seal lip groove worn in it. Change the axle hub seals. Clean inner and outer axle bearings. Make sure the differential breather vent is clean.
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j-d
Sunny Florida USA
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Joined: 09/04/2003
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as MexB noted above, axle hub seals... The rear wheel bearings are lubed by the gear oil in the differential. It's good practice to PACK them with grease after they've been removed for any kind of service work, but that's only to keep them safe till the differential lube works its way back out there. It'll wash the grease out and next time the bearings are out they'll look like they ran in axle lube only.
I mention this because whatever failure it was, could have sent metal shavings into the bearings and damaged them as well. If the diff failed because of low lubricant, the bearings may have also suffered.
Rear axle MUST be kept Full to Specs.
God Bless, jd
2003 Jayco Escapade 31A on 2002 Ford E450 V10 4R100
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mapguy
Puget Sound
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Sorry, don't think 1K repair is the way to go here using used parts. Think you are better off spending a little more now instead of assuming the used part risk -even with a 6 month warranty. Especially if the 6 month warranty is for "parts " only.
Should be able to get the differential rebuilt for $1500 or less at a driveline specialty shop that does these kind of repairs regularly.
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in2h2o
Los Alamitos, Ca
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Thanks all...what a wealth of info you guys have...The decision is to have the differential rebuilt and guaranteed for 1 year-$1000.00..
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