Hi, as the title states I live in Western North Carolina - specifically Hendersonville- about 20 min. below Asheville and 40 min. above Greenville, SC. I am looking for someone or possibly a company that will either help me set up a 3rd member or knows of a local company that is reputable and reasonably priced.
Earlier this year I had almost all of the parts necessary to set up my V6 unit. Once I realized how much more money I needed to finish my project I began searching for diffs that were already set up. I happened to stumble upon what I thought was a great deal and almost too good to be true- an early model 4 cylinder diff. that was newly rebuilt with 5.29's and a Detroit True Trac for a mere $550. Well, it turns out it was too good to be true and I had to threaten to call the police on the guy just to get the diff. After 3 months it finally arrived and just didn't look right. To me the pinion depth seemed too shallow, the backlash was off and the overall setup just seemed to be shoddy. Not being an expert and having no money to have it redone I installed the diff only to have it grenade on me after less than 1k miles. Needless to say I was frustrated, irritated, and heartbroken after spending my blood, sweat and tears only to have a $550 door stop and a vehicle I haven't been able to drive in over 6 months now.
I prefer someone that may be able to help me do it since I have just about every tool needed as well as a good grasp on the whole process. I just don't feel comfortable completing the task by myself without someone looking over my shoulder. I'm not looking for a hand-out as I am willing to pay someone but my funds are next to nil considering I'm disabled but am still fighting Social Security for disability.
I have many parts to sell and/or trade listed here if anyone is interested in some parts to help me out. I've got a lot of camping gear and God only knows what else to trade as well. There's a more complete list over on my 4x4wire thread
I was a mechanic before becoming disabled, but unfortunately I never learned to set up differentials and most of my experience is 'on the fly' and through extensive research- mainly lots of hours of studying ZUK's page.
I'm going to stop rambling now as I'm sure you either get the point and/or are sick of my whining.
But anyways, if there's anyone out there who could lend a hand it would be more than appreciated. NC-B17A has been nice enough to send me a V6 diff to use merely for the cost of shipping and to him I am eternally grateful. I have decided to rebuild the diff given to me by him and sell off the 4 cyl. true trac and if I don't sell the 4 cyl. housing I'll keep it for a distant future SAS.

 

I live in Asheville and had my 4:88's installed by Ty's OffRoad in Burnsville. He's off the beaten path, but he does good work at a decent price. He's a very nice guy to deal with too. I don't like having anyone turn wreches for me, but gears are out of my league. I felt comfortable leaving my truck with him and I'm very happy with the results. I'll try to dig up his number.

 

Thanks, I'd appreciate the #

There's a shop close by that seems to know their stuff, but I can't afford the $300 that they charge. I know this isn't a high price for setting up a diff, but it's way out of my price range.
After my last fiasco I'm either gonna try it myself or wait to see if I ever get disability. If not I'll probably sell the 4Runner even though it'd literally kill me.

 

BTT in case someone close might be willing to help for some frosty beverages or two

 

A properly set up diff takes knowledge and skill...and the proper tools. For a bench install $300 is high IMO as I only paid $300 for both of mine bench installed. I think it will cost you a bit more than a beer...or two.

 

that's a lot of different 'ville's

 

Thanks for the input Waskilly Wabbit- I look forward to doing business w/ you too on getting one of those slider adapters...I just need to get my sliders installed first
....I'm alll scatter-brained today anyways...I've gone from wanting someone to help me set up a diff to looking into buying and performing a SAS

Since my Runner is no longer my DD it's becoming easier to accept the fact that I can't really drive it much.

....in all reality I'm disabled because of back problems and borderline personality disorder and I need someone rational to keep me from dreaming so much due to my meds- not to mention spending so much money!

PS Fork- there's so many 'ville's in NC alone it'd make your head spin