midlifeclassic

On my '78 the u-joint nut on the half shaft has worn a groove on a tab on the the side of the differential. I would think there is major wear on several parts. The Diff. does make a gear noise at any speed. I plan to replace the half shaft u-joints, should i also go with new side yokes and bearings, maybe even a rebuilt diff. Any ideas.
thanks

tracdogg2

You're right, you have major wear. The stub axle tip has been worn off and now the stub axle is chewing up the case at the axle seal. Plus you have a lot of metal shavings inside the diff. To do it right you are looking at a complete diff rebuild, new gears, and new stub axles. Most likely the case will need repairing before it will hold a new seal. Removing the rear cover to flush out the metal shavings won't work. Most of the metal will be in the cavity between the pinion bearings. Only way to get them all out is to completely strip the diff and do a full rebuild.
Mike

midlifeclassic

Thanks Mike, I felt like a complete rebuild was needed and you confirmed that.