'03 TJ - 2.4L - 5speed NV1550 manual
I recently found a significantly leaking pinion seal and gear lube dripping out the passenger axle tube. Thinking I'd re-seal in the near future I decided to top off the pumpkin with more lube to avoid running low. As I slightly overfilled the gear oil that came out the hole had a wonderful shimmer, almost like the sequin on a prom queen's dress
So what was going to be a reseal job looks like it will be a complete rebuild of the axle.
Assuming my ring and pinion gears and axle shafts are okay I'm basically looking at a master rebuilt kit which I've found several of those for under $150. I'm open to suggestions if there are certain brands to avoid or one that just really stands out.
The next thought is upgrades. The open diff Dana 35 in the rear is staying stock (don't wanna go boom) but I'd like to lock up the front in some way to maximize traction. I've toyed with the idea of installing a lunchbox locker and if I have to do a complete rebuild now is the time. Are there any strong opinions on the different brands: Aussie, Lock-Rite, Spartan? They're all about the same price so I'd like to hear personal examples of good and bad. I'm most concerned about the reliability, functionality off road, and behavior on pavement.
I also have access to a Dana 30 that came out of an '02 WJ Overland which had a Limited Slip differential. Would anyone know if that diff would be compatible with my front axle? They're both 27-spline but the WJ might be a high pinion and I don't know if that makes a difference. I'd have to use my ring gear because I have 4.10 and the WJ Overland was 3.73. I don't do any heavy wheeling so an LS diff might be fine. I've read a bunch of info on both LS and locker diffs but I'm all ears if you have pros or cons for either one.
Thanks, and I look forward to your ideas and suggestions.
KJ
I recently found a significantly leaking pinion seal and gear lube dripping out the passenger axle tube. Thinking I'd re-seal in the near future I decided to top off the pumpkin with more lube to avoid running low. As I slightly overfilled the gear oil that came out the hole had a wonderful shimmer, almost like the sequin on a prom queen's dress
So what was going to be a reseal job looks like it will be a complete rebuild of the axle.Assuming my ring and pinion gears and axle shafts are okay I'm basically looking at a master rebuilt kit which I've found several of those for under $150. I'm open to suggestions if there are certain brands to avoid or one that just really stands out.
The next thought is upgrades. The open diff Dana 35 in the rear is staying stock (don't wanna go boom) but I'd like to lock up the front in some way to maximize traction. I've toyed with the idea of installing a lunchbox locker and if I have to do a complete rebuild now is the time. Are there any strong opinions on the different brands: Aussie, Lock-Rite, Spartan?
They're all about the same price so I'd like to hear personal examples of good and bad. I'm most concerned about the reliability, functionality off road, and behavior on pavement.I also have access to a Dana 30 that came out of an '02 WJ Overland which had a Limited Slip differential. Would anyone know if that diff would be compatible with my front axle? They're both 27-spline but the WJ might be a high pinion and I don't know if that makes a difference. I'd have to use my ring gear because I have 4.10 and the WJ Overland was 3.73. I don't do any heavy wheeling so an LS diff might be fine. I've read a bunch of info on both LS and locker diffs but I'm all ears if you have pros or cons for either one.
Thanks, and I look forward to your ideas and suggestions.
KJ
