Grass Hauler
Registered User
This all started 4,000 miles ago. I was checking fluid level in the rear diff. Found a fair amount of metal and sludge stuck to the plug. I was hesitant to touch it, not knowing if the sludge was caused by the previous owner trying to cover something up. I decided to drive it and check again. Today with the same results I decided it was time to change the fluid no matter what I was afraid to find inside. Popped the diff cover (heres the LUCKY part) after a visual I found one of the bolts on the ring gear sticking out far enough to almost hit the bearing. Any further and sure failure of all kinds of parts I'm sure. I tried to tell my girlfriend the story and she didn't find it to be what I did. So I decided to post my story here amongst other IDI nuts.
?'s Might as well throw out some concerns I have after the inspection to get your opinions. 140k on truck, Sterling 10.25 4.10 diff
1. Lots of metal caught in the 3 pockets in the bottom of the housing, If it were gold I would have a pan full. Most likely original fluid which was dirty and sludgy at the bottom. I dont think there was any water or other foreign material just lack of maint. Normal or not???
2. One wheel jacked up. Rotating forward to back the spider gears would slide up and down on the pinion shaft??? Quite a bit maybe 1/4 inch. Also might be the noise I hear while shifting sloppy at times you get a clunk. Very similar to the noise I heard today moving the wheel back and fourth. Normal or Not?
note: D-shaft u joints are a little loose also no abnormal noises heard other than stated.
?'s Might as well throw out some concerns I have after the inspection to get your opinions. 140k on truck, Sterling 10.25 4.10 diff
1. Lots of metal caught in the 3 pockets in the bottom of the housing, If it were gold I would have a pan full. Most likely original fluid which was dirty and sludgy at the bottom. I dont think there was any water or other foreign material just lack of maint. Normal or not???
2. One wheel jacked up. Rotating forward to back the spider gears would slide up and down on the pinion shaft??? Quite a bit maybe 1/4 inch. Also might be the noise I hear while shifting sloppy at times you get a clunk. Very similar to the noise I heard today moving the wheel back and fourth. Normal or Not?
note: D-shaft u joints are a little loose also no abnormal noises heard other than stated.