bj70 cruiser diff problem...

[2 ton Custard Square]

Hi all,
I have a bj70 with an lsd in the rear so I've been told (which unfortunately limits no slip!).
It had a severely vibrating rear driveshaft for a while - seized UV which has now been fixed.
The problem is that it started to leak from the front of the diff and around the same time there was a moaning groaning noise while driving.....hard to determine where from though.
Just finished replacing the front oil seal on the diff 5 minutes ago to sort out the oil leak only to find that there is play in the front shaft/flange of a couple of mm.

So here's the problem.
Firstly:
I'm guessing play of about 1-2mm up and down is a bad thing so is this easily repairable if I pulled the diff and handed it to the local diff guy (could I do it myself??) or should I just get another one?
Secondly:
Since it's out, should I get the lsd reshimmed or should I go for one of those lockrite jobbies you can get from the states at a reasonable price?
Lastly: if the diff is beyond economic repair will a std open diff fit in the semi floating lsd casing with the intention of a locker fitted replacing the lsd altogether?

Oh also, if the lsd diff is repairable and I still want a locker. Can the open diff head from the front axle be swapped with the lsd from the rear so I can use the open one with a locker and put the lsd in the front???
Phew - I think that's it!

I guess I just need options and like everyone am on a budget.

Cheers guys.

[mudlva]

hi there inm no expert but i will ghive it a shot
1 the movement you are on about is that with the flange and nut back on? if not then yes it will have movement

2A yes get it reshimmed and put it into the front

2B i didnt realise that semi floaters axles came out with LSDin them?

3 now with the open diff out of the truck get the locker put into that unit and reinstall into the rear.

most front diffs are like new even after 2 to 300ks due to them never being used so the ring gear and beariongs are generally mint. with the locker having its own carrier etc then you will now have a 4 spider diff in the rear as well as a 4 spider in the front.

there you go food for thought

good luck and your diff adventures

[2 ton Custard Square]

Hey mudlva,
thanks for the quick response.

It has movement/play with the seal, flange and big nut fastened tightly on. I can "jiggle" it up and down quite noticebly by 1-2mm, could this be the pinion shaft bearing is buggered?

Full/semi floating diff.... how do I tell?
The diff casing even has the remains of a sticker that says LSD on it.
But it does jack shit - whether it's climbing a clay or mud bank or wet grass?! With one wheel jacked up I can still turn it by hand.

Thanks for the info mate, it all helps!

[Sadam_Husain]

It has movement/play with the seal, flange and big nut fastened tightly on. I can "jiggle" it up and down quite noticebly by 1-2mm, could this be the pinion shaft bearing is buggered?

thats a lot of movement, did you get all the shims back in?

[mudlva]

Hey mudlva,
thanks for the quick response.

It has movement/play with the seal, flange and big nut fastened tightly on. I can "jiggle" it up and down quite noticebly by 1-2mm, could this be the pinion shaft bearing is buggered?

yip shes toast

Full/semi floating diff.... how do I tell?
The diff casing even has the remains of a sticker that says LSD on it.

does the other side of the diif have a removable plate or is it solid like welded on.

if solid then you have a full floater and it will most likely be a old LSD unit
if it is a bolted on cover then its a semi floater and most likely a open diff unit

But it does jack shit - whether it's climbing a clay or mud bank or wet grass?! With one wheel jacked up I can still turn it by hand.

this just means that the LSD could well be rooted

Thanks for the info mate, it all helps!

[2 ton Custard Square]

never took any shims out, I just replaced the oil seal under the front flange.
I've found some diagrams, it seems the diff carrier with crown and pinion need to come out the housing to get to both sides of pinion shaft bearing.
Google knows everything.

[2 ton Custard Square]

Hey mudlva,
thanks for the quick response.

It has movement/play with the seal, flange and big nut fastened tightly on. I can "jiggle" it up and down quite noticebly by 1-2mm, could this be the pinion shaft bearing is buggered?

yip shes toast

shit

Full/semi floating diff.... how do I tell?
The diff casing even has the remains of a sticker that says LSD on it.

does the other side of the diif have a removable plate or is it solid like welded on.
it's definately not the removable rear cover axle.
if solid then you have a full floater and it will most likely be a old LSD unit sweet, so a lsd reshim while it's all out would be a good investment
if it is a bolted on cover then its a semi floater and most likely a open diff unit


But it does jack shit - whether it's climbing a clay or mud bank or wet grass?! With one wheel jacked up I can still turn it by hand.

this just means that the LSD could well be rooted
Gotcha.
Rooted = Bad but not an expensive rebuild
Thanks for the info mate, it all helps!