reserecting a differential

[mommicked]

I have a diff. out of an 86 toyota 4x4 I want to install in my truck.I stored it 5yrs ago or so in a 5 gal bucket half full of gear oil.I just retrieved it and the bucket cracked and leaked about halfway while stored.there is some slight surface rust on the gears in two spots but overall it looks clean and is pretty tight.I was thinking I should suspend it so the stuff would not get into the pinion bearings/housing if i try to clean it up w solvent or breakfree and light sanding w emerycloth or a brush.should I just dissasemble and have it rebuilt or is carefull cleaning an option?or should i just rinse it off w oil and let the gears eat the rust off?

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: reserecting a differential

Clean the rust off with a scotch-brite pad.

 

[j_martin]

Re: reserecting a differential

Actually, scotch brite might be a bit too aggressive. I'd clean it off with real fine, (1200 grit or finer) wet or dry, and just so it feels smooth. Then run it with good lube. Within 100 miles of the first hard pull you'll know if it's good. If it starts to spall, it will totally crash in a hundred miles or so. If it's smooth enough so the lube can film over it, it'll last forever.

That's just the way hypoid (sliding) gears are.

hope it helps
john

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: reserecting a differential

We use drain-o to clean off rust all the time.
I'd stand it up (pinion down) and fill it with drain-o for a day, and then drain and oil it real good.

 

[mommicked]

Re: reserecting a differential

Thankyouall,The third member is from the rear of an 86 w 140000 mi on the wrecked truck.it looked and felt good then, just some slight lash.it is a little dirty where the oil dropped in the leaking bucket and it wasnt submerged anymore.Oh well it was cheap w the price of the whole wrecked truck in mind.Im gonna try to prop it up snout up so stuff might drain out when I wash it w spray oil or something.I sure the pinion bearings will die quickly if some junk or sanding grit gets in them.

 

[18WCmerc]

Re: reserecting a differential

emery cloth