Following up with my buggered rear end, I have deduced that the following events happened:
Let me know what you feel would be some good options for me that won't break the bank.
- The pinion seal leaked.
- Differential fluid somehow leaked into the threads of the pinion nut.
- That fluid acted like penetrating fluid.
- 155k miles of vibrations knocked the nut out of its perfectly fine home and forced it to drift away.
- Eventually the nut backed off enough that the pinion gear was able to become good friends with the carrier.
- I clearly need a new carrier.
- I am fairly certain that I need a new pinion gear, but I want some opinions on that.
- The ring gear looks completely untouched. Can I go without replacing if it is perfectly good condition?
- Bearings and raced are all going to be replaced, but they all look and feel perfect.
Let me know what you feel would be some good options for me that won't break the bank.