Differential damage

[Cajuncrawler]

Purchased jeep with known differential damage but didn’t know how bad. It appears the pinion seized and severe damage can be seen in the picture. Currently I am unable to turn it. Hope to get it out to inspect the race seat soon.
For now, I noticed that one of the carrier bearings slips on and off with no resistance. It appears where the bearing sits is worn and I can feel a slight drop off.
Should I assume this carrier is not usable anymore?
Also, do the carrier shim’s usually sit on the inside or the outside of the bearing? Most videos I has seen have them on the outside but this one had them only on one side (passenger) and behind or inside the bearing. I am uncertain the extent the previous owner messed with it.
Lastly, what should I look for in terms of damage to the differential case once I get the pinion out?

 

[tr21triton]

ouch ! that looks like a DANA 30. I would just find a used one with the same gear ratio and swap it out ! Dana 30's are cheap !

 

[jjvw]

If that Dana 30 was a stock gear ratio, you are better off both logistically and financially buying a used one and scrapping the one you have.

 

[Cajuncrawler]

If that Dana 30 was a stock gear ratio, you are better off both logistically and financially buying a used one and scrapping the one you have.

I have already purchased rebuild kits for front and rear as I want to re-gear to 4.56 as there are 33” x12.5” tires.
Also, Dana 30s are not that plentiful in my area and run from $800 to $1000 used. And no guarantee that the used one is without issue.

 

[macleanflood]

As long as you're using new bearings it'll probably be fine...but check all the contact faces for damage.

-Mac

 

[Artsifrtsi]

I have already purchased rebuild kits for front and rear as I want to re-gear to 4.56 as there are 33” x12.5” tires.
Also, Dana 30s are not that plentiful in my area and run from $800 to $1000 used. And no guarantee that the used one is without issue.

What ratio is in it now? You may need new carriers depending on current ratios, so carrier damage is a moot topic.

Your pictures remind me I need to change out my pinion seals and replace gear oil this weekend…

 

[hosejockey61]

For now, I noticed that one of the carrier bearings slips on and off with no resistance. It appears where the bearing sits is worn and I can feel a slight drop off.
Should I assume this carrier is not usable anymore?

If the carrier has a noticable edge on the journal it's probably toast. Can you post pictures of what you're describing?

Shims are usually inboard off the bearings but not always. Most rebuild kits have shims that outside the bearings.

The housing from what I can see looks ok. Does it have the original bearing caps?

The carrier break for the Dana 30 is 3:54 and down / 3:73 and up.

 

[Fluxor]

Cut the other carrier bearing of and see if the suspect bearing slips over that side. If it does the bearing is roached (WooHoo) if it does not the carrier is trash. By "cut the bearing" off I mean cut the cage and rollers off, score the race with cut off wheel, smack the score with a chisel to crack it and slip it off.

I prefer shims in between the bearing and carrier but some axles have the shims between the bearing and housing. I would ask East Coast Gear Supply to confirm shim location.

Hopefully your pinion bearings took the brunt of the abuse and the housing is serviceable. If not look farther away for a used front axle. They are $300 all day long around me.

 

[Cajuncrawler]

What ratio is in it now? You may need new carriers depending on current ratios, so carrier damage is a moot topic.

Your pictures remind me I need to change out my pinion seals and replace gear oil this weekend…

Current is stock 3.73.
So, should be good with the 4.56.
Think I will order a new carriage. Its not a big expense. But only after I get the pinion out and inspect.

Anyone have info on if shims go inside or outside of the carrier bearings?

 

[Cajuncrawler]

Cut the other carrier bearing of and see if the suspect bearing slips over that side. If it does the bearing is roached (WooHoo) if it does not the carrier is trash. By "cut the bearing" off I mean cut the cage and rollers off, score the race with cut off wheel, smack the score with a chisel to crack it and slip it off.

I prefer shims in between the bearing and carrier but some axles have the shims between the bearing and housing. I would ask East Coast Gear Supply to confirm shim location.

Hopefully your pinion bearings took the brunt of the abuse and the housing is serviceable. If not look farther away for a used front axle. They are $300 all day long around me.

Thanks for the reply
I did remove the other bearing with a puller and it is loose over the passenger side of the carrier. Also, I tried one of the new bearings and it slipped easily on and off.

 

[Fluxor]

Ok, so the carrier is trashed then. That stinks. If memory serve correct shims go in between the bearing and carrier.

 

[Cajuncrawler]

If the carrier has a noticable edge on the journal it's probably toast. Can you post pictures of what you're describing?

Shims are usually inboard off the bearings but not always. Most rebuild kits have shims that outside the bearings.

The housing from what I can see looks ok. Does it have the original bearing caps?

The carrier break for the Dana 30 is 3:54 and down / 3:73 and up.

 

[hosejockey61]

Thanks for the reply
I did remove the other bearing with a puller and it is loose over the passenger side of the carrier. Also, I tried one of the new bearings and it slipped easily on and off.

That carrier is toast.

 

[hosejockey61]

Anyone have info on if shims go inside or outside of the carrier bearings?

They can go in either place.

 

[macleanflood]

Well...it could be welded and done up with a lathe...but why...

Locker? Love my front Eaton elocker.

-Mac