Ok, so heres the deal. My rear diff is toast. I need a replacement. I've got a line on a replacement, but it does not have the abs sensor on it, whereas my current third does. is it possible to retrofit the new one to house the sensor, and if so, what am i looking at difficulty wise? Also on a side note, just how hard is it to replace the third? reading up on it, i guess i have to pull the axles, but that seems to be the worst of it. please help! this offer is good for only an hour or two! rock on

 

 

not sure on retro fiting the ABS. but pulling the 3rd is easy. drain the 3rd member first, un-bolt the 4 bolts on each side, slide out the axles a bit, un bolt the 3rd member, out she comes.

 

perfect! if the abs has to go, so be it. any little tips on installing the new one that would speed things up or make it easier?

 

Dont forget to unbolt the drive shaft, and pull the ends of the e-brake where it attaches to the drum. You'll have to undo the brake lines at the drums too. (although I've heard people leaving them on, but I wouldnt want to pull on the steel lines too much) So that means you'll have to bleed the brakes when your done.

Also, when removing and installing your axle shafts, dont let the weight of the axles rest on the axle housing. You will risk damaging the axle seals. So either pull the axle shafts out all the way and set them aside, or support the drum/axle somehow if you pull it out just a little bit.

Also, y ou will spill some gear oil when you pull the axle shaft out, so be prepared with a drain pan under the end of the axle.

To get it back in, you'll just have to wiggle it around a bit to get the splines to line up.

If you take the brake lines out, have some rubber caps handy to put over the brake lines so they dont leak everywhere. Or you could get some vice grips and pinch off the brake line (use a shop rag around the line so you dont damage it.

 

There are threds on here about this but I cant remember what they did.
GO ahead and ge the third, You can pull the sensor out of the old one and connect it to the wiring and strap it up till you get it figured or if that acts up leave it off completely.
The second is what I thought I read about.

 

Thanks for the tips guys. I got the third, and she looks great! I plan on putting it in either tomorrow or the day after. I'll let you know how it goes.