which is easier for rear end fix

[rocket22]

Which is the easiest method to repair rear end.

1) rebuild diff

2) Replace rear diff

3) replace whole axle


It will be a junkyard fix, the less work the better. Also, the whine is not bad, how long can we go with this? We use this as a beater work truck and was a whole $1,700. They normally end up at the junkyard after a year or two, but this one is a little nicer and fixed rear end might buy us some additional years.

I want to have the swap ready to go and trying to get a direction on which way to prepare.

 

[Joe in NY]

is this for a 2nd gen or 3rd gen?

3rd has no rear axle. It just has a pumpkin and two axles shafts. The 2nd gen has a floating rear axle.

 

[rocket22]

this is a 2002 XLT

SOrry, I need to update my profile, the 2000 just went to the Junkyard

 

[pet575]

I had the whine after 35K, got it repaired under warranty, and it returned within 25K. I've had the whine now for almost 200K since. Drive it until it fails. Don't waste your time or money.

 

[rocket22]

is the while you are talking about loudest around 30 mph?

We bought this truck with 190K miles on it from someone who spent a lot of money in upkeep. Tires, brakes, shocks, etc are all new. I figured it was worth the gamble to drive until the rear end falls out.

 

[pet575]

That's what I'd do!

 

[Tyleryac]

Just change the fluid

 

[rocket22]

an recommendations on fluid

I prob need the info on the back end. I will post shortly. Does this really help?

 

[Sock Puppet]

Some folks say that Royal Purple synthetic helps, but I don't personally know.

I'd change the fluid and drive it.