Front differential

Hi all!!

First time here .My issue is my front differential went bad because I bought it used and front seals we're bad, I'm guessing, because someone filled it up with grease. The splines were stripped off of driver axle. Repair shop said it would cost $6200 to buy a complete used differential and install .They said my paticular year gear ratio was an odd ball . Is this bullcrap?....can I buy spare parts and do it myself, and if so, where can I buy from at a reasonable price?....I have worked on cars all my life and retired as a millwright.....how do I find my gear size or ratio?....Thanks in advance

 

WELCOME to the club.... remember the jeep wave it makes us a brotherhood of suspicious MF's.

1) Your jeep is drivable right NOW hopefully just no 4wd. YES NO
2) this is a 2007 sahara 4.0 and a manual trans?
3) did you see exactly what was bad/stripped?
4) there is often a ratio tag on the differential. look at rear diff.
5) ask them WHAT is the gear ratio and Diff model....save us some time. Say your shopping for it.

I will get the 07 info and post later.

 

Welcome @Eddie1964 too bad about your axle problem. Finding a reputable axle repair shop can be challenging. Doubtful your gear set is that unique. If you locate used parts make sure they match the rear axle.

 

Thanks to you both!.....yes it's still drivable....it's a 3.8....from what I seen, the splines on axle we're stripped off, and the bearing is bad.....I understand that ring gear has small pitting, but nothing is chipped or broke....my thoughts are to replace the seals bearing and axle.....not the whole differential!

 

look and see if this helps

 

I think the used parts for $6200 is abnormal. Get another quote or two. I know this mod is not in your initial plans but new "bolt-on" heavy duty axles with lockers and gears start around 4k are tugging my J.E.E.P. motto...shipped to my home..LOL

 

Yeah and I think you can gear out a G2 axle swap your brakes over for around 3500,.........$6200. crap that sounds high maybe they were talking about both axles or at least I hope.

 

Ok with just a few clicks the TJ/JK will be awesome

https://www.allensoffroad.com/Axles-Assemblies-Shafts/G2 Axle Assembly/G2_Core44_JK

 

Ohhhhh i need a cigarette after seeing that aggrex and a free air compressor to boot ....that's sexy and in my near future

 

Man have you seen the price of lift kits there? $7000 for a lift kit that is not a long arm kit. Wow most expensive lifts I've seen yet by a mile. He'll man I could have the dealership do it cheaper.

 

Have not seen the 7K lift kit as they better be gold plated LOL. The Fox 2.0 Reservoir shocks can quickly jack the lift kit prices higher.

 

I want to thank you guys for all of the replies and advice!....I've only had a vehicle in a shop maybe 3 times during my life, as I've always fixed my own breakdowns. I thought this was outragious!.....And this quote was for a used front differential and install only!!....

 

https://www.allensoffroad.com/suspe...ls/AOR-Ultimate-JK-Package-Deal-for-37"-Tires

 

Reservoir shocks are extra

 

Yeah that sounds like I dont want to do it bid. Bid it so high they go elsewhere or you make a killing. Lol I have done it on a few HVAC jobs

 

Definitely get additional quotes from shops with axles+gear specialty. And if any axle repair quote surpasses 4K take a serious look at those G2 axles built to order and shipped to your home. If you can remove it you should be able to reinstall them J.E.E.P. LOL

 

Out of my budget but that particular kit is more than just the X-factor lift. Poison Spider flares, chromoly axle shafts, ARB lockers etc. Didn't crunch the numbers so not sure it's a deal but it could be.

 

I would definitely find a different shop. However, you could easily install a complete axle yourself.
Maybe a 35 Spline Dana 44 with air locker or a RockJock Dana 60?
Good time to regear!

https://www.quadratec.com/categories/jeep_driveline/axle_assemblies/?f[0]=sm_axle_pos:Front

 

You can find what gears (and all options) your Jeep came from the factory with here: https://fcacommunity.force.com/RAM/s/equipment-listing
Just enter your VIN

So IMO if the ring/pinion are OK and the seals aren't leaking, then replace the shafts and the unit bearing. D30 shafts are cheap, probably find some on craigslist for nearly free, unit bearings are $100ish bucks/each from all your local parts stores. The only oddball tools you'll need are a 36 mm socket for the hub bolt and a 12 point 13mm socket for the unit bearing. IMO easy install on both. Check you ball joints, now's the time to replace them if they need it.

Past that I would NEVER, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever (<enough ever's?) spend $6200 on a factory axle when an aftermarket D44 with all new gears, locker, ball joints, etc can be bolted in for 4k. For comparison I spent $900 parts/labor per axle for all new gears, seals & master install kit.

Good luck! And might I suggest finding a different shop because that one is trying to rape you.

 

This is a subject I'm torn on as well I want to regear my diffs this summer but eventually I'm ditching the Dana 30 up front for a 44 I know I can order the 44 with matching gears so I wont pay for regear labor twice at least. I just hate regearing something I'm going to ditch in no more than a year. Yes I'm cheap .