Does $3000 for a replacement rear diff sound fair?

[JaqRabbitSlim]

So while taking my TJ out on a camping trip with my boy the rear end blew up while riding down a flat road at about 40 mph. Had it towed to a local shop and they're quoting me about $3000 for a new Jasper differential, axle seals and wheel bearings. This is about 1/3 of the cost of the Jeep itself so I'm really trying to keep the cost down. Does this sound as outrageous I think it is?

I called another shop that said they'd drop in a used Dana 35 if they could find one but they haven't had any luck tracking one down locally and obviously wouldn't warranty the parts and labor if something was to happen.

Any advice from the experts on which direction you'd take?

1999 Wrangler 4.0 5spd with Dana 35 rear and 3.07 gears.

 

[Chris]

Someone is trying to take you to the cleaners, that’s for sure.

 

[JaqRabbitSlim]

I thought that was crazy but wanted to be sure.

 

[Vasq]

That's insanely expensive. You can get a 44 with chromo axles and your choice of gears and locker for just over 5k.. 3 grand just to replace an axle seems absurd

 

[JaqRabbitSlim]

Labor Tech Total

Replace - Differential Axle Housing - Rear

Axle - Without Chrysler Axle

690.00

Parts

Differential - 1,949.00

Axle Seal - 19.96

Wheel Bearing - 39.96

SubTotal $2,698.92

Labor 690.00

Parts 2,008.92

Hazmat* 3.50

Supplies* 35.00

Taxes 143.33

Repair Order Total $2,880.75

 

[P man]

dana 35 with 3.07 ratio is the least desirable diff out there buy one off craigslist or facebook marketplace for $150 and install yourself

 

[Vasq]

Labor Tech Total

Replace - Differential Axle Housing - Rear

Axle - Without Chrysler Axle

690.00

Parts

Differential - 1,949.00

Axle Seal - 19.96

Wheel Bearing - 39.96

SubTotal $2,698.92

Labor 690.00

Parts 2,008.92

Hazmat* 3.50

Supplies* 35.00

Taxes 143.33

Repair Order Total $2,880.75

I have no idea what the 1949$ differential is... should just be a carrier and ring/pinion gear and bearings?

 

[Vasq]

dana 35 with 3.07 ratio is the least desirable diff out there buy one off craigslist or facebook marketplace for $150 and install yourself

x2

 

[P man]

I have no idea what the 1949$ differential is... should just be a carrier and ring/pinion gear and bearings?

that is the cost for the "rebuilt" diff

 

[CAJACK]

Do a Goggle search. There are much cheaper complete axles out there.

 

[Vasq]

annnnnd just to play devils advocate

https://carbonoffroad.com/products/...ar-tj-44-complete-housing-with-eaton-e-locker

 

[JaqRabbitSlim]

I'll keep an eye out for a Dana 35 on craigslist and fb marketplace. Thanks guys!

If anyone has one in the GA area let me know.

 

[JaqRabbitSlim]

annnnnd just to play devils advocate

https://carbonoffroad.com/products/...ar-tj-44-complete-housing-with-eaton-e-locker

Seems a little over kill for my 31s lol!

 

[srimes]

Seems a little over kill for my 31s lol!

Well, you did manage blow up the Dana 35 on a flat road, so....

 

[sierradmax]

Give Mitch at JeepTech in Cumming, GA a call.

https://www.gajeeptech.com/

 

[Vasq]

Seems a little over kill for my 31s lol!

oh absolutely.
But if I had to pay $3000 to fix my 35 with 3.07s... I'd probably use that as an excuse to upgrade haha. Mostly just for perspective on the price is all.

 

[RHanna]

Not sure where in Georgia but

https://www.facebook.com/marketplac...wse_serp:9143dd7f-0d69-4d61-8718-1b53538c48f3
https://www.facebook.com/marketplac...wse_serp:9143dd7f-0d69-4d61-8718-1b53538c48f3

 

[GaTechTJ]

$3000 is excessive.

Advance Auto Parts sells complete axles for $1400.

 

[suicideking]

Definitely better off finding a used Dana 44 or Dana 35.

 

[JaqRabbitSlim]

Thanks everyone for the input! Currently trying to decide between just completely replacing the axle with one from Advanced Auto Parts like GaTechTJ mentioned or patiently waiting for a used one to pop up locally.