I assume this is not normal when everything is new. 2006 at 230k miles. Guessing this would be a very worn output bearing? Diffs are not my thing. I have a vibration that has been getting worse over time. I had swapped CVs at one point and it seemed to improve but not for long so maybe it was just in my head. This is front driver side, so no long tube extension making a swap pretty easy. Unless there is a bearing in there that can be replaced with the diff in place I will likely just swap the whole diff for a lower mileage use one. And yes that is green moly CV grease, found this issue because I blew up a CV and had to swap again. That is how I found this issue.

 

Holy smokes. Yeah, I'd source a replacement diff.

 

Already did, should have it this week and hope to replace this weekend. I did look into it and as I kinda suspected the driver side bearing is large and only replaceable by taking it apart. Unlike the passenger side where there are two bearing with the far outer one being pretty easy to replace with the diff in place. Will swap and probably take apart my old one to see how worn it is and maybe rebuild it - they seem pretty easy to do.

 

Pointless update... but the place I bought my used front diff from gave me a rear instead. I was in such a hurry to get to them before they close AND get back home, I did not even notice.... until I got home. The diff I ordered was from a 2008 with 180k. But because of the mess-up I instead got a diff from a 2006 with 229k miles which I picked up yesterday. The only silver lining is that it is a reman with a 2010 date. Externally it looks like crispy fried chicken but the inside looks good. Bearings actually seem fine too. Seeing that it is a reman it should, in theory, not have the coating inside that was taking out the early diffs. So I think I will do a partial rebuild on this used unit and swap it in. I will take pics and such since there is not a ton of info out there. I will likely not rebuild the pinion portion unless the bearings seem bad but they seem super smooth and good. I almost hate to rebuild it but with a reman date of 2010 (not sure when actually installed) and 229k miles, I think I better just do it and be done. I will probably still rebuild my original one but I want to take it some place to get the body cleaned of that horrible internal factory coating.

 

So are you still on the hunt for a front diff?

 

No? As I said, I finally got a front after the mix up and a lot of driving. Press arrives this week so maybe this weekend I can get new output bearings/seals on it, clean it up and maybe install it.

 

Ah gotcha reading the post I thought you were working on the mistaken rear. Interested to see your updates on the minor rebuild.

 

Ah, yeah that went back when I got the front diff from the same place. Took it apart tonight for initial inspection. Looks good to me but made another post to get input form those that know more than me. Will replace the output bearings and seals. Will take pics. Honestly it looks pretty easy and straight forward.