Diff, rebuild em or throw em

[graceysdad]

The Streak has a buggered front diff the shaft was out so I got under and had a look and the old pinion flange wobbles around like a you know what in a sock, I guess the front and rear pinion bearings have let go, but there could be other damage inside to, do I go to all the trouble of pulling the thing apart only to find it cactus delecti or just find another diff. Diff centres are really for those in the know, dont set them up right with backlash and what have you it will chew out real fast,

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Andy

You have to take the diff out in any case so why not start there.

The good thing is that basically any diff from mid-1950 through the Series 3 is a bolt in replacement.

I would be looking for a good second hand unit, there are plenty around in dead chassis. Check for any back-lash and if there is minimal on first inspection - investigate further.
Wash out the inside with petrol/kerosine and inspect the faces of all the teeth for chips and breakdown of the hardened surface.
It will probably be far cheaper than being in-experienced and trying to set up a diff yourself.
Diana

[graceysdad]

Indeed I dont want to mess with a diff centre, not that confident, confident enough to try and do but not confident it will ever work again, have to look around

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Indeed I dont want to mess with a diff centre, not that confident, confident enough to try and do but not confident it will ever work again, have to look around
The one thing that I would change on any second hand "diff head" would be the output pinion seal.

You can do this without having the re-set up the diff.

Diana

[Blknight.aus]

once youve got the new one in ( they can be had complete at some wreckers for less than $150) take the old one apart and have a play with it. you will gain an appreciation on how they work, what parts make what noises when you spin them by hand in the open with no oil so you can tell if that new noise your hearing is the bearings, the crown and pinion, the spider gearset or something else.

once youve got it back together you have a spare diff ready to go...