So I got the reman replacement diff in a record 1 day from NJ. It was reman in China, but the seller is in NJ, comes with a 1 yr warranty and the customer service is exceptional. Clearly, these folks are hungry for business. We shall see how it turns out.

 

Use a quality 75w90/110 with the Liqui Moly gear oil additive annually and the world will turn. Since the main pinion bearing seems to fail if starved for oil and there is a breather on the diff, I pump as much oil in the diff and seal it up. But that's just me!

 

I already put a bottle of Valvoline 75W-90 and a tube of Liqui Moly antifriction for gears in the box for the mechanic.

 

I'm using AMSOIL severe gear 80W-90, every 40K. Good so far...

 

So your go-to LR mechanic who was unwilling to rebuild the old one, is willing to swap the unit since you found a replacement? That's a good solution when you get pushback from a shop for a complex/risky job they don't want to handle.

 

I have a gentleman's agreement with him. When I supply the parts, I own the warranty, he guarantees the labor. He just doesn't do that kind of work, and pushing it would likely have wound up costing me a lot more. I also never question his bills, but he keeps telling me if I never want to see him again I should buy a Lexus.

 

You're very resourceful to have found good values for a replacement underbody cover, engine, and now a rear diff.

 

The only resource needed is an understanding of how Google searches work and how to use and exploit their search engine. Most people don't have a clue how to do that. I do, which is why many of my customers call me "The Gopher." I can find anything.

Speaking of which, I have figured out how to order the upgraded differentials from Bell Engineering. Even with shipping of the old one to him and ocean freight back along with the replacement price, it's still cheaper than an OEM diff or even good OEM reman. Austen is happy because he doesn't have to ship anything, I have it picked up and take care of the shipping myself. The first step was to ask Google Maps to show me his shop, then zoomed out to find the closest major city. The rest is easy peasy. I also did the tariffs homework. Automotive components sent to the UK for repair are exempt from tariffs as long as you make sure the documentation is complete.

I'll post the full instructions here once I am able to complete one transaction.

 

Very useful information here. I also tried once to order a rebuilt differential from Bell, but came up short. Your persistence is impressive.

I ended up ordering good quality versions of the bearings and seals, along with a cheap eBay version of the specialty tool for the pinion nut, and did the rebuild myself on the workbench. I already owned the bearing press and adapters I needed. It’s been about 3 years since then. So far, so good.

Now I fear I need a new PTU.

 

New, used or reman? Gimme an LR or Volvo part number, let The Gopher find you one. On the house.