How do I change my differential?

[Blue89]

My '89 limited slip just went out. I was wondering if anyone new of any good links for me to look at on how to change the diff. I have never done this before and was wondering if it was fairly easy. I have access to a lift as well. Also, when I take corners or a 90 deg. turn I hear a "rubbing" noise from the rear-end. Could the diff. be causing this as well? Thanks in advance!

 

[gojonnygo]

its not for the shady tree mechanic. leave it to the pros. it has very tight tolerances. 2cents

 

[webshot]

real important, everything has to go back on as it came off. Especially when you remve the ring gear. It has marks on it. And there are some other bolts that have to go on the exact same way as well. Oh yea you'll need a diff cover gasket, maybe a rear seal, rtv, gear oil, pump to put oil in, loc-tite (red). Oh and you may need some PB to remove some bolts. It is not really that easy of a job, grab you a chiltons.

 

[Blue89]

Got a Chiltons, and all the gaskets and other stuff for the job. I am putting in an OEM replacement, not an Auburn or anything special. Will I need to re-shim it since I am using an OEM diff?

 

[Michael Yount]

You won't really know what you'll require in the way of shims, etc. until you get into it. You should check backlash BEFORE you take it apart. And you should carefully note/organize which shims went where before you start disassembly. Theoretically if you put the shims back in the same place and you leave the pinion gear alone, when you get it back together you should have the same backlash. But you never know until you get in there....

 

[Blue89]

Cool, thanks for all feed-back...saving a bunch of cash doing this myself, just hope the rear end doesn't lock up down the street

 

[Michael Yount]

You won't know if you've saved cash til you're done -- screw it up and you'll have COST yourself a bunch of cash trying to do something you shouldn't have. We're all pulling for you though...