Blown rear diff in my Jeep TJ 2003

[jasonboot]

Hi guys.  New to the site here and just had a question for you all.
I just had the news given to me by the good folks at Big 4 Motors that my rear diff is completly blown up and the whole thing needs to be replaced.  They said the cost to fix it would be anywhere between 3000 to 5000 bucks.
My uncle and I talked about and thought we might just be able to do it ourselves.
My question to you guys is this, should I be looking for a rebuilt rear diff or should I just replace the whole rear axle? Thanks for your help guys.

[LEMON-AID JAY]

Dana 35 or 44?
Nows the time for a ford 8.8 swap. Give me a call at the shop and I can fill you in on the details  403-287-3350

[Dagoose]

$3000 to $5000 seems extremely steep. What do they mean by blown? If it's just the gears, it should be knowhere near that price. I would give Jay a call and can pretty much guarantee he'll be cheaper than that. I would take it to a shop that knows Jeep diffs.

If it's a Dana 35, I know there's a few kicking around on the forum. They normally sell for about $100. Even if you need some seals replaced, it would be nowhere near $3000.

[frenchy]

My question to you guys is this, should I be looking for a rebuilt rear diff ?

Yes
I can sell you a decent bolt in rear diff for much less than that 3-5k quote. Heck I'll even install it for a few extra bucks.
It has 4:10 gears, powertrax locker and lots of new bearings & seals.

If my gears don't match your diffs, then I have the matching front too  
Both diffs, even installed, would be much less than half that dealer quote.

[Rubi03 jef]

I just built  a pair of 60's for 3500 bucks locked and chromo shafts and 100% new bearings,seals,calipers,rotars and pads

So my suggestion is to not use the dealer for this

[FiEND]

this is tech talk not the for sale groups, stop trying to sell the guy all your used crap and shitty ideas.  at least give him some good advice.

[Bnine]

Find out what differential, what gear ratio you have, and what is specifically wrong with the axle that makes is a write off

[Dingleberry]

Complete rear axles are available on this very forum in the For Sale section from time to time. I usually sell them for $100 complete (drum to drum and everything in between). Unfortunately the one I am currently selling has been spoken for, but I'm sure there are more out there. Consider a trip to the local junkyard if you cannot find any for sale privately.

Its a fairly simple task to switch out a rear axle, there isn't really anything to complicate things, its just a number of nuts and bolts. It does take time however, more so if you are new to this, but don't stress, even a first-timer can do a rear axle swap even single-handedly within a day. Having power tools such as an impact drill and socket set for the 18mm nuts on the u-bolts will make life much easier, however when I started out I first did it with a breaker bar and lots of sweat
Also while you're at it, you can leave out the anti-sway bar upon resintallation as it is not really needed, even for street use, yet removing it will improve suspension articulation in the rear when you're off-roading!

I just removed and replaced the whole rear axle in my Cherokee and it took me no longer than 3hrs although I had the use of power tool to help.

Sounds like the dealer is trying to take you for a ride. You could have that axle replaced for less than $200 doing it yourself.... They must think you're a fool... Prove them wrong

[AV.NINE]

i sold my last complete rear diff for $40.

[Knox]

I just got my jeep back from Chanda the other day, I had them change my gears, redo bearings/seals etc, chromo shafts and even added in a rear e locker, and had it wired all for less than you've been quoted.

I'd take it to see anyone else besides the dealership. Besides you want to get a few options right?

[jasonboot]

thank you very much guys for your  input on the subject.  i've spent the weekend thinking about what to do and since i've always wanted to learn about and work on my jeep, i'm going to give it a shot at fixing it myself.  i figure if things go south i can just enlist some of the services that have been offered from you guys.  the hunt for the rear axle begins!  thanks again for the replies guys.
i'm sure i'll have a lot of questions along the way.

[w squared]

I just got my jeep back from Chanda the other day, I had them change my gears, redo bearings/seals etc, chromo shafts and even added in a rear e locker, and had it wired all for less than you've been quoted.

I'd take it to see anyone else besides the dealership. Besides you want to get a few options right?

I'm with Knox on this. The price quoted to you by the dealer got me front RCV Cromo shafts, new ball joints, new seals, a full-width truss, lower control arm mount skids, and a new drag link from Lemon-Aid Jay at Chanda. There's nothing wrong with spending that sort of money on an axle (I guess), but you better be getting a nice axle out of the deal. 

[binare]

Paint it black and tweet about how shitty its short life has been so far then charge people 30 bucks for a picture of it till you get enough money to buy a new one.

[newfie glass]

i've got a dana 35 from a zj for sale. 3.73 gears wit limited slip.