Swapping differentials

[James86004]

My rear differential on the SIIA howls on the road. I was thinking the cheap and easy solution is to swap the diffs front & rear, on the theory that the front diff has very little wear in it, and the rear diff will have a much easier life up front. What do you all think of this idea?

The long term solution is to get a Salisbury, but that is just not in the cards right now, unless one of you know of a really cheap one close to Arizona.

[Mercedesrover]

That'll work just fine. Does your truck have FWH? If so there should be little or no wear on the front diff.

But if you don't feel like going through the hassle of swapping the diffs front to back, good used ones are around for next to nothing. $50 will by a good diff all day long.

[I Leak Oil]

Ya, leave your good front diff in the front, find a used front diff to replace your rear. No sense in putting a dodgy diff in the front. Much more of a pain in the rear to change a front on the trail.
Jason T.

[James86004]

I have already tried two used diffs. The one that is in the rear now is a used diff that howls. I got another one where if you grab the pinion, you can move it in and out a little. I think I can fix that by adjusting the shims. Either of these diffs I think is better suited for the front.

They were both given to me for the cost of shipping, but in both cases I was assured they were in great condition. So, I am a little shy of used ones at the moment.

[I Leak Oil]

Well then if the gears are in good shape then they are pretty easy to put new bearings in and call it a day. Used diffs are something that I need to see for myself before purchasing....
Jason T.