I screwed up big-time... While building my Dart over a 22 year period off & on, somehow I'd forgotten to put the gear oil in my new Dr. Diff 8-3/4, and it locked up yesterday after driving less than five miles on straight dirt roads at 25-35 mph :(
Got it towed home, pulled the wheels, drums, driveshaft. By then it was cooled down and had un-frozen, and I can turn the pinion, but not with my fingers. I stuck my finger in the hole as far as I could reach and no oil. So at a minimum the pinion bearing is toast, and probably the carrier bearings too. :BangHead:
My plan is to pull the pig (halfway there already) and get a bearing/seal kit from Cass. I had spec'ed the crush sleeve eliminator so I don't have to worry about that. The Sure-Grip should be OK since it wasn't doing anything in a straight line. But what are the chances that my ring & pinion are junk also?
I've never set up a rear before (and wasn't planning to learn this month) :rolleyes: but I'll have to check the pattern and backlash once I replace the bearings. The alternative is to ship that heavy chunk both ways and pay for labor too...
Any thoughts?
thanks
Charles
