Found emulsion in my rear diff

[The Far Side]

I finally got around to opening up my 9 inch and found evidence of an emulsion with a lot of “grit” in the oil as well. This looks to be an original 4:11 gear, small bearing with Tag still intact. Looks like the driver axle was changed at some point to a Superior axle. Evidence of rust on both axles when I pulled them. No signs of issues or broken teeth.

the original plan was to open it up, clean it out, put new oil in, change bearings, seals and axles. Now I am not so sure. What are the chances of flushing all the grit out and replacing the third member? Am I setting myself up for an early failure when I get it on the road?

I have a large bearing housing that I “could” build but was trying to keep funds for other things.

If rebuilding is needed, anyone know any shops near Houston?

 

[Broncobowsher]

Take it apart, clean it out, put it together.
While the inner engineer says it is completely wrong, reality has shown that the 9" can live while in less than perfect condition. In fact some really crappy looking parts will still live a long time when you thing they should be replaced.

Run what you have. Take your time building up that big bearing housing. Don't rush it.

 

[tirewater]

Did it make any unusual noises when driving? How loose are the pinion bearings?

I agree, clean it and put it together. You're not saving yourself that much labor if it's noisy and you have to disassemble it again.

 

[m_m70]

the original plan was to open it up, clean it out, put new oil in, change bearings, seals and axles

that's the best plan imho and don't see any reason to do anything more!

 

[DirtDonk]

And while you’re at cleaning the housing, make sure to clean out the vent hole and vent bolt.
Then make sure a hose is attached to the vent fitting and routed up to the frame to keep water out in the future.

 

[The Far Side]

Unfortunately this bronco was sitting for a number of years before I got it. I never ran it. From every thing I have seen in disassembly, the bronco wasn’t abused so will do a cleanup and we’ll see once it is back on the road.

paul……i had already planned to hit your points but thanks for the input. Got all new stuff from wild horses sometime back.

worst case, I sell off the small bearing and build the big bearing if/when it goes boom!

wayne

 

[Rustytruck]

Just clean it out and run it, if you want a big bearing axle throw your money at that. you can beat a dead horse to go further but why? throwing good money after bad is just a waste especially if you don't want it.