Rear End failure, low cost fix?

[IndyGreg02]

The rear end on my 2002 Explorer Sport has whined since I bought it used.

I drove it about 10,000 miles and had a slow leak of fluid, so 2 - 3 Thousand miles ago I drained and replaced all the fluid. Whine got better, well it just got real cold here and the rear end went out completely. Lost all drive and had to tow it back to my home. Lucky I have another vehicle to drive.

Should I replace the ring and pinion (shop time quoted was $350) plus parts. Or should I look to junkyard to pick up a whole used rear end?

I could possibly just wait and replace the ring and pinion myself? Trying to do this on a budget as money is tight right now.

Just looking for recommendations at this point.

 

[Four0Sport]

not too familiar with prices and such on a 3rd gen.. but it might be cheaper to buy a newer used rear end.

 

[Wrench]

IMHO I think if you remove the pot cover on a used rear end matching your gear ratio from a junkyard, inspect the oil and gears and maybe a guarantee you should get off the on the cheap.

 

[96eb96]

The rear end on my 2002 Explorer Sport has whined since I bought it used.

I drove it about 10,000 miles and had a slow leak of fluid, so 2 - 3 Thousand miles ago I drained and replaced all the fluid. Whine got better, well it just got real cold here and the rear end went out completely. Lost all drive and had to tow it back to my home. Lucky I have another vehicle to drive.

Should I replace the ring and pinion (shop time quoted was $350) plus parts. Or should I look to junkyard to pick up a whole used rear end?

I could possibly just wait and replace the ring and pinion myself? Trying to do this on a budget as money is tight right now.

Just looking for recommendations at this point.

From what I heard, 3rd gens had some serious issues with the rear ends. I would hesitate to buy a used one.

Make sure they update the parts....

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157872

If you get the used one MAKE SURE TO CHANGE THE FLUID!

 

[IZwack]

x2 dont buy a used one. Get it rebuilt.

As for the price, that sounds about right.. $300-ish plus parts. The only "parts" thats needed a master rebuild kit (under $150) unless the ring and pinion gears themselves have been damaged.