QuestionI need advice on which route to go on the repair of my 1995 GMC full size truck. The diagnosis is that a bearing got caught up in the ring/pinion gear, broke teeth off of each, and requires new ring/pinion gear, pinion bearings, axle bearings, carrier bearings, and seals. The total is $1450, more than I can afford. I am considering a rear axle assembly swap with an axle purchased from a salvage yard. The total that route is less than $800 and something I can afford. What is your advice?
AnswerI NEVER recommend JUNK YARD parts as you have NO IDEA of what condition the rear came in as, Nor do you have ANY idea how LONG it has been setting in the yard.
IF your going the junk yard way, Make SURE you get the EXACT same reak axle or you will TOTALLY screw up the driveline.
Check the numbers on the ring gaer and pinion and make SURE they are IDENTICAL to your old ones. Somebody may have REPLACED the ring gear and pinion BEFORE it made it way into the junk yard.
ALSO:
1. Remove and flush out the old fluid.
2. Replace the PINION seal.
3. Replace BOTH axle seals.
4. Replace BOTH outer axle bearings as they tend to get RUSTY from setting and not being spun.
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