I recently got an 8.8 rear end for my truck. The truck (2004) it came out of had 130000kms (80,000 miles). It is 4:10 ratio with the limited slip. Before I install it is there any checks I can do to see that it hasn't been thrashed? There is some play in and out on the axle shafts about 1/8" both sides. Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers
Paul

 

Take the diff cover off, you should be able to spin the ring gear if the driveshaft is not hooked up. If it spines smoothly and nothing is rubbing or making any noise it should be fine. Also you might consider taking the third member out and check the spyder gears to make sure they aren't rubbing against the housing. Only problem I ever had.

 

Thanks for the info.
Also I was doing some searching and do you guys think it would be wise to replace the axle bearings and seals and also the pinion seal as well?

Cheers
Paul

 

I would replace the bearings and the seals, but not the pinion seal. Shouldn't need it. The bearings are probably worn thus causing the axles to have play.

 

It looks a little oily by the pinion seal so I guess I should change it. Also I will check for lateral movement at the pinion and also on the axles. Does this sound like a good check? I'm hoping this axle works out because the JY's around here want a small fortune for these things.

Cheers
Paul

 

In and out play is normal with C clip axles, it's the nature of the c clip itself.
I'd do the outer seals at the least, bearings if you can get good ones cheap enough but they do last much longer.

Pinion seal I'd do it, but only the right way...not spin the nut off/spin it back on. While the axle is out of the truck, remove carrier and use new crush sleeve and set to correct used bearing preload. I've had bad experiences with just running the nut on, but YMMV.

 

You mean carrier? 8.8's do not have third members, that's Ford 9/8 inch and toyota axles, etc.

 

Ok Guys I did some work to it over the weekend. Got it cleaned down and popped of the rear cover. I didn't see anything out of the ordinary. No shavings in the oil or on the back of the cover. What would you guys recommend to flush out the housing? The oil looks very gunky and it has coated everything. I would like to flush it out without hurting the clutch packs etc.

Cheers
Paul

 

gasoline?

 

Is it normal to be able to hold one axle and turn the other?
Does this mean the clutch packs are worn? I thought it would be harder to overpower the limited slip?

Paul

 

with that many miles, you should probably want to rebuilt the clutch packs in the limited slip if you want it to work. Or just upgrade to a locker or something if you offroad it at all.

 

The only thing (besides the trac-lok and the gears and normal stuff like the brakes) that I would look at on the axle tubes and axle shafts. When you pull from wrecked trucks you have no idea what abuse that axle has taken. That axle could have been curbed or or god knows what. If the axle shafts or tube is bent even a 1/2 inch it can cause vibration, uneven tire wear, excessive wear on bearing, and it weakens the axles overall strength. I don't mean to freak you out or anything it's just something that I have had experience with.