I've searched this a thousand times already but cant seem to find the answer i was hoping for....I took my car into the shop for a new clutch (the third clutch after 7 years) and the mechanic told me my rear diff is busted up but doesn't know for sure until he opens it. I know they sell rebuild kits, but just thinking of the worst of what could happen...who has used rear differentials...and if i was able to source out the parts, what would be the better option, buying the parts or buying a used differential just so i can have my car back? I don't plan on racing it for a while because its a dd right now until i get another car.

 

Well first off why does he think its busted?
Did he drain the fluid and look at the fluid?
Does it make noise?
Do you hear a loud noise when you drive the car?

 

Great questions. OP The diff may not be broken. He may just think it is. More info will help us help you.

If he spun the tires and it acted like an open diff then it's not neccessarily broken.
Noise etc etc then probably is.

 

I was told by him when i went to drop off the clutch, that the car was making a "popping" sound from the rear when he tried to move it. I told him it could be a number of things and he said it could mean your rear diff is "busted to hell" I'm just trying to think worst case senario, whats gonna be best for me at the moment...it has all new axles all around and the driveshaft is ok. its not the transfer case....althrough i need to get that looked at as well. Ill post when he lets me know....

 

Drain the fuild to see if you come across any shavings,chunks etc. if so you should have it rebuilt. Shep did mine and works like a charm. Pm me with farther info if needed.

 

The differential is limited slip. Put in the wrong lube and it will make the noise discribed. Fill it with diaqueen before doing anything else.

 

WRONG, the rear diff is not limited slip. It was setup from factory as a open diff.

If it wasn't making noise or doing anything weird before you brought it I doubt something is wrong. If the fluid looks good be on your way.

I wouldn't trust anybody in New Mexico with telling me about my diff.

 

Well, it still is limited slip - just not as limited as it could be. Even with the plates installed the way they were in cars sent to the US, use the wrong lube and it will drag a tire or make loud noises. The rear diff set up the way shown in the manual can be quite aggressive - enough so to make people think it is broken. Hence the change. But, as I already stated, you can still get that with the wrong lube.