Need to rebuild my rear differential. Looking for a shop / person near SW Florida

[FL239]

Unfortunately, my rear diff is making some noise and I am in the process of purchasing a salvaged rear axle assembly for a quick swap for my work truck.

I would like to have my original differential rebuilt and have it as a back up unit. Potentially a heavier duty set-up and better gear ratio.

Truck is loaded near capacity daily. Just the boxes, bed slide, tools and fittings is around 800pds.

It's my first year in business so eventually I will get into a 2500 truck. For now, the 1500 will have to push through.

Please send me info of a qualified shop or someone that can rebuild differentials in SW Florida. Fort Myers, Naples, surrounding areas.

The shops I have called so far buy reman assemblies and are charging over $4.5K installed.. No disrespect, but I rather go another route.

 

[aszumilo]

I had the rear end rebuilt in my 04. Put in a Speedmaster true trac and new Yukon axles and bearings. Cost me $2200. Just to give you a ballpark figure.

Then less than a month later, I totaled it. Not because of the rear, something broke in the front (I think upper control arm)

 

[Jeepwalker]

I would search out a drive-line shop locally. Hopefully someone here will chime in from your area. Most of the driveline shops do larger stuff, for like dump trucks, dually's and that, and driveshafts, etc. But diff's are usually one a core specialty of a driveline shop.

Maybe a course to consider is taking your truck to such a shop NOW, and let them rebuild the one you have ...and keep the used one as a spare. The shops I've worked with were a real quick turn-around. OR.... if you DO install the used one right away, use it for a month or two, then (when you know it's good), swap back in the rebuilt one. That way you can verify the rebuild and capitalize on any warranty should there be a problem. If you keep the rebuilt diff in storage for a year or 2, I doubt any shop would warranty it. I mean...how can they know it was in storage the whole time? Find out what their warranty terms are, I guess.

 

[jws123]

Few years back I had the classic pinion bearing noise which is what you most likely have popped it apart pressed on new bearings from rockauto with harbor freight tools and away i went. Is it tricky? Yes plrenty of youtube vids but its better then paying some Idiot $2500. Stay away from all dealers and chain shops they wont be smart enough to rebuild it you need to find a private local shop.

 

[Daw14]

4x4 off-road shops do lots of this type work. Eaton/Detroit tru-trac is one of the best .

 

[FL239]

I appreciate all the feedback guys. The 4x4 off road shops are more willing to rebuild the rear diff. The chain shops will only buy from Jasper or similar that carry the warranty on the rebuilt assemblies. Makes sense from their business standpoint. Quicker turnover and the warranty from the manufacturer.

Low mileage, salvaged rear axle assemblies are available for a decent price. I found one with 21k. I'll just do the swap myself then send my other for rebuild. Given the hell my truck goes through, I may need another diff in the future. My truck just hit 88,500 miles. I'll probably keep it well beyond 150k