Diff Info Needed!!!How much $$$?

[t89blazer]

Well, I pulled the cover off of my stock rear today and noticed that the diff is cracked. I was in the process of changing wheel bearings but was stopped in my tracks. My bearing are shot and I am afraid that my housing may have suffered as a result. Can someone tell me what diff I have or likely have in an 89 K5? I know that it is a 10 bolt but I don't know how to tell if it is open or a limited slip. I have a CUCV for a swap but I don't have the money to complete my swap right now so I am looking for the cheapest fix possible. I searched but could not find any pics.

Thanks in advance,
Tim

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

The diff in the first post here is a gov lok.

If it just has spider gears in the carrier its open.

 

[t89blazer]

Thanks Man, that is what I have. Would the carrier be the same for a gov lock and a open diff? I am looking for the cheapest fix possible. I see that I can get a new empty carrier for about a $100 or would it be best to find another gov lock at the salvage yards. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Tim

 

[dyeager535]

What gear ratio?

It might be cheapest to simply find a complete axle and swap it in.

 

[t89blazer]

The ratio is 4.10. That is another problem. I don't think I can find a complete axle in a salvage yard with 4.10s.

Thanks,
Tim

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

An open carrier and a gov lok carrier are different.

You will have to replace the carrier with either an open or gov lok unit.

Either way you will have to reset the backlash and swap the ring gear over (always with new ring gear bolts). If you need help with that just search for gear setup on here. Good luck

 

[t89blazer]

I spoke with the local drivetrain shop today and they told me they would rebuild my axle for $450. That includes new carrier, spider gears, bearings, seals and labor. They have a good reputation around town for quality work Is this a good price? A co-worker of mine is friends with the owner and this is supposed to be a buddy deal.

Thanks

 

[big dan]

would they still do it if you aquired all the parts? carriers are usually pretty cheap if you find a used one and your gears are still usable.

 

[readymix]

I would say that $450 is a pretty good deal, and go for it.

I do all my gear work myself and have done so for around 15 years. Experience is nice but not necessary for doing gears. The tools however, are essential to doing it correctly.
If you decide to do it yourself, post up and I'll help.

 

[t89blazer]

would they still do it if you aquired all the parts?

They would still do it if I supply the parts. They are charging me $180 for all the parts. The rest is labor. I don't really have time to hunt down the parts because I am working 70-80 hours a week. My ring gear and I think my spiders are still good so maybe I can get them to do it a little cheaper since I am only looking for a temporary fix.

Readymix:
I would like to set the gears myself but that is also a time issue. I am a CAT and Waukesha mechanic and have access to any tool I could need but I am exhausted (70 to80 hrs/wk)I need it fixed ASAP because this is my DD. I really appreciate the offer to help!

 

[Mudstud]

Why not focus on getting the other axle prepped and put in? What is needed on it? Is it the right ratio? I would think swapping the whole axle would be less time consuming then a beginner setting up gears. If time is your biggest hang up then pay the 450. If money is then the most economical and least time consuming PERMANENT fix is to swap in that other axle.

 

[mr.smartass]

I say pay the $450.

 

[BGKYK5]

Can't you swap in the 14 bolt from the CUCV for less than $450? I would go that route instead of spending $450 on a 10 bolt.

 

[t89blazer]

Thanks for the Replys everyone. The only problem with doing the swap now is that I want to wait till tax return time. That way I can do my swap, doubler, new suspension, tires, and wheels all at once. Also, that way I only have to build shafts once.

I have decided to pay the money and get it done.

Thanks for the help,
Tim