Had my 2008 LR3 in Indy shop for maintenance for an upcoming long road trip with family for Thanksgiving. Mechanic found metal shavings in diff oil after telling him I was noticing a roaring upon acceleration and roaring stops when i let off of accelerator. He is recommending replacing rear differential not rebuilding it. Unfortunatly i don't have much time to research the issue much since i need the vehicle trip worthy middle of next week. His price on the rear diff is 2300.00 just for part. It seems about right. I priced at British Atlantic and they are going for 2700.00.
I would appreciate any advice on this matter.
Thanks

 

That sounds about right. I got mine replaced for $2200 at the dealer because they had one in stock that had been sitting for a while and I've done a lot of business there. I'd ask the dealer just in case. Go talk to one of the service guys. One local LR mechanic told me he might have been able to rebuild it for $1200-1500 and that I should have let him take a look before getting it replaced. Take that fwiw.

If I were doing it again I would seriously consider having a mechanic add a locking diff since they're in there already. Was just reading the current front diff thread and DIY was mentioned for diff replacement. Sounds like you may be out of time, but is getting another one and swapping an option? Something else I wish I had considered.

 

I don't think it will grenade, just be noisy and crappier gas mileage, I would shop around and be sure of warranty and that the vents clear, was the oil milky too?

 

Btw swapping the rear diff is like 2 hours at most , I did mine on the ground it was easy

 

Honestly I don't think you'd have a problem, unless you're traveling with infants I wouldn't worry.

If you do decide to swap it out before trip, I'd imagine there's some sort of break in period, so any long trips are out of the question.

Either use another of your vehicles or rent one

 

You should also PM useenone ( i hope i have his handle correct). He can get you a reman diff with new gears etc... and if you can diy the swap you'll probably save a few $$.

 

Unseenone out of tx. ? He sells em rebuilt I think and parts to rebuild em

 

I ran mine with the "roar" for a long time; it's not a big deal. If the fluid is fresh you should be okay for a while.

 

Yes, that sounds right. I'm pretty sure this is his group (Land Rover Differential | Centurion Differential USA). I haven't purchased from them because I'd really like to do the rebuild myself but I have spoken to him and he's a good person to bounce ideas off of.

 

Most all the rover parts places probly sell the rebuild parts