Aaron and I picked up the rear end about 9:00 last night in the dark. We tossed it in my pickup and have not yet had time to look it over really good. The carrier was out of it, and the rear end was sitting out in the open in the trunk of a car.
I believe his questions are based upon our experience four years ago with the 7-1/4" for his Dart Sport we had done by a local shop. It cost Aaron about $200 for them to sand blast, paint, and freshen up with new seals (and I believe new axle bearings, but I'm not certain). We were quoted about $210 for them to do basically the same thing to an 8-1/4" rear end we pulled from our '73 Duster parts car. We thought we would use it before finding this 8-3/4".
Aaron and I were hoping to learn something with this 8-3/4" about working on rear ends (what makes them tick). If we can replace bearings and seals, and if we can install the pumpkin ourselves, then he will be money ahead on his project. Plus, we will learn something new in the process.
What he wanted to know is if there are any available resources (websites, books, service manuals, etc.) that someone can point us towards. I'm sure Dr. Diff can do a great job, but we have someone local to use, if we want someone else to do the job for us. Also, Aaron was wanting to determine whether the parts are readily available at Advance Auto, Mopar Performance, dealer, or aftermarket?
Anyone with experience or knowledge in working on rear ends (specifically the 8-3/4") please contact us.
Thanks much,
Jerry