Diff Troubles...help appreciated

[5LUTV6]

ok, i think my diff is about to **** itself. i have a VN Calais V6 with all the basic mods done and when performing a bit of a skid on a recent cruise i was greeted with a thump followed by a crunch, then some more crunching/clicking. It was obviously coming from the rear of the car but the weird thing is when im not giving it to her it behaves like normal..
Ive only ever really done a few skids with her but the diff is the only original part left on the car (has done 378,000kms).
Ive also noticed that over the last month or so when i stall her for a better launch she hangs a bit sideways. Is this normal for a open wheeler or is she on the way out.

I can get a diff from upullit for $120 so if this is the problem is it a better/easier idea to just swap her over or just change the yolk/?

all help appreciated guys...

[samuels]

ok, i think my diff is about to **** itself. i have a VN Calais V6 with all the basic mods done and when performing a bit of a skid on a recent cruise i was greeted with a thump followed by a crunch, then some more crunching/clicking. It was obviously coming from the rear of the car but the weird thing is when im not giving it to her it behaves like normal..
Ive only ever really done a few skids with her but the diff is the only original part left on the car (has done 378,000kms).
Ive also noticed that over the last month or so when i stall her for a better launch she hangs a bit sideways. Is this normal for a open wheeler or is she on the way out.

I can get a diff from upullit for $120 so if this is the problem is it a better/easier idea to just swap her over or just change the yolk/?

all help appreciated guys...

any noises/clunks or crunching when backing off from under load on road,i mean,say from 80 downwards?or vice verca when accelerating to any speed?
if it is the diff,it's entirely up to you,having yours repaired,having crownwheel and pinion,bearings and spacers,etc,etc,replaced.you have peace of mind that your diff is fully reconditioned.but on the other hand it is easier to just put a second hand one in.

[m62vpute]

If you were hearing lots of crunching and thumping and you are pretty sure it was coming from the diff then it is a big chance that your spider gears are on the way out, a singlw wheeler diff spinning 2 wheels usually means that you are due for another diff unless of course you have mega power and then it is not to bad

Like samuals said if you redo your own diff it will cost you a fair bit more than $120. if you add it up you will need 2 bearings rear seal oil to start with plus if it has been crunching you might have broken a few teeth in that cause it is easier to get another diff cause you might have to replace your carrier

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

Just check the centre bearing on the tailshaft. Giving it a bit of stick will make smack into the floor and thump around if its buggered.

[GTP 85]

You dont happen to be off the other holden forum, do you mate? Anyhoo, here is info again, if it is you lol

U-pull-it is your friend on this one! You should be able to nab a whole rear axle for even cheaper then 120! a bare rear housing (minus brakes, axles) cost me $60.. Taking the whole housing creates less mess than pullin out a diff centre, and i find it much easier too.

What i'd do:

-have a look under a few VN-VP wrecks, pop the rear cover off the diff and look for one thats in the best condition (from what you can see and feel) clean oil can mean its looked after better.

-When you find one that you like put the cover back on to protect from cr4p getting in there. and start unbolting it off the car.

-Totally strip the entire axle, coz u can use all the bits off your existing housing i.e. remove brake discs and calipers, axles, brake lines.

Just remember, once you have bolted the replacement in, to fill it with oil (1.7 L of gear oil i believe?)

Problem fixed!

p.s. while you have the axle out of the car (and while your at u pull it), why not grab sum R31 skyline 3.89:1 diff gears to have fitted in??

I did what you are planning to do, plus skyline diff gears, all fitted for $350!

Good luck! i can answer questions if you need

Gilbs

[5LUTV6]

thanks guys for all the help. Will take the upullit option and do the swap myself.

REV231, i sometimes go on the other commo forums but found this to be the best for good quality info. I was actually looking at the Skyline diff option and am interested in going through with it. Are 3.89's ok for normal everyday use as i ferry the mrs and kid around a bit and will they leave a big dent in my economy?
secondly, what exactly do i need to take to do the transplant to what will be a changever diff for my VN?

again, thanks very much for all help

[GTP 85]

To do the changeover will be pretty straight forward (assuming u have moderate spanner skills?) I'd take a mate who can help pull the diff housing out of a wreck. Tooling wise, take a selection spanners, sockets, hammer, screwdrivers (better yet just take your whole tool kit). Once you have dropped the housing out of the wreck you should totally strip it back clean of all accessories, brake lines axles etc (NB as i stated in last reply) When you go to take the one out of your car of course be a lot more careful taking bits off and remembering where they go on to the replacement.

To get the 3.89 skyline gears you will have to do the same as above, and take the entire housing to a diff technician to help you fit it.

Before you do ANYTHING, i strongly advise you to go and see a reputable diff technician first to discuss your plan of attack, costing etc. The last thing you want to do is to get stuck into a job that you're not quite skilled to do/ not quite sure about.

The 3.89 gears will be sweet as long as you get a set that is fair condition. They are known to be a bit noisey (humm a little), but not a big issue. will also put your speedo out of calibration. fuel wise, its made my car a little better coz it revs in a happier rpm 'zone'

I can PM you a good diff shop who does great work for me, at your request..

Gilbs

[5LUTV6]

thanks gilbs, would appreciate the name of the workshop..sounds like a value upgrade

[cracker]

spider gears get a low km diff and throw it in