Omnipotent

OK, I'm hear for a friend of mine who I believe is trying to be ripped off by his mechanic. Buddy came to me stating that he heard this whining sound comnig from his truck. I said it was probably his gears and that maybe it's low on fluid, or at worse case just drop the 3rd member and replace the bad parts (gears/bearings). Well his mechanic has told him that "By the time that noise is happening the gears and bearings just being busted/malfunctioning". And that "Its cheaper to to replace the whole rear axle to axle than replacing each gear and bearing. It could get really costly
replacing each gear and bearing in the housing, moreso than the cost of
a whole rear." I'm no Toyo expert,but I just don't by it.

So the question is, is the mechanic right and we should replace the whole axle, or just the 3rd member (either whole unit or just the gears and bearings)? 2nd, if it is just the member, where is a good place to buy them (used or new)? I don't have the size (7.5 or 8...not sure if 99's are all the same size) or the gear size...waiting on him to provide that info...just trying to get ahead of the ball.

Thanks

Omni

bamachem

you can get Yukon gears with a complete master install kit for $250 per axle shipped. plan on another $200 to install. the wheel bearings are about $45 each from the dealer and the outer axle seals are like $8 or $9 each.

total should be no more than $500 or so.

however, you can get a stock third member for about $150-$200 and then just do the wheel bearings as added precaution.

moral of this story: find a new mechanic (preferrably a race/offroad shop that does gears) cause that one doesn't know jack-schidt or he's trying to rip your buddy off.

Omnipotent

Since this is just a street pounder I'm sure the stock 3rd member would do just fine. Does that price ($150-$200) include the gears? If so, tell me where to buy it and I'm done.

Thanks again.

Omni

BTW, I'm assuming this is just as easy as it is on the Ford 9in, correct? Unbolt, drop it out, throw in new one, drive away. Of course, pulling axles and tires and such are a given.

bamachem

fully set up, ready to install..

just search your local salvage yard and get a thrid from them.

Omnipotent

Well local yards want 400-450 for non-locker 500-550 w/locker. Guess that's what I get for living in a metro city. Can it be had for less online? I've checked the classifieds here and don't see anything.

Thanks

Omnipotent

DC/Baltimore and as I said, it's not mine...just helping out a friend.