ArdWrknTrk Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 You can pull the rear cover on that axle and inspect the ring gear to see if damage has been done. You'll want to drain the fluid out, when you drain it you should look in it for metal shavings or flecks. If the pinion nut comes loose the pinion will get sucked in on overrun. This usually means the tip chews into the carrier, and if that gash gets deep enough the carrier splits. AMHIK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Lewis Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 You can pull the rear cover on that axle and inspect the ring gear to see if damage has been done. You'll want to drain the fluid out, when you drain it you should look in it for metal shavings or flecks. If the pinion nut comes loose the pinion will get sucked in on overrun. This usually means the tip chews into the carrier, and if that gash gets deep enough the carrier splits. AMHIK. That's exactly what I'm worried about. And why I think he should have a pro look at it. There may not have been too much damage to this point and the gears might be salvageable. Or they may be so far gone that he'll be stranded in the back of beyond if he tries to use them. I'm certainly no pro and couldn't judge how usable they are. So I'd want a pro to make the call. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86Bug Truck Posted September 4, 2023 Author Share Posted September 4, 2023 That's exactly what I'm worried about. And why I think he should have a pro look at it. There may not have been too much damage to this point and the gears might be salvageable. Or they may be so far gone that he'll be stranded in the back of beyond if he tries to use them. I'm certainly no pro and couldn't judge how usable they are. So I'd want a pro to make the call. Thank everyone for the excellent advice. It's never going to be easier than right now to pull the axle and get it over to a pro for work. And probably a good time to consider upgrades alongside possible repairs. The truck will stay pretty stock suspension-wise, and her days as a hard-using 4x4 and heavy towing vehicle are behind (I have a '12 F250 that handles all that.) I really appreciate hearing y'all's thoughts. I have a great local diesel mechanic who I've known for years - will hit him up tomorrow for recommendations on who can do the diff work. Plenty of other stuff to do on this truck in the meantime... Thanks, Laurie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Lewis Posted September 4, 2023 Share Posted September 4, 2023 Thank everyone for the excellent advice. It's never going to be easier than right now to pull the axle and get it over to a pro for work. And probably a good time to consider upgrades alongside possible repairs. The truck will stay pretty stock suspension-wise, and her days as a hard-using 4x4 and heavy towing vehicle are behind (I have a '12 F250 that handles all that.) I really appreciate hearing y'all's thoughts. I have a great local diesel mechanic who I've known for years - will hit him up tomorrow for recommendations on who can do the diff work. Plenty of other stuff to do on this truck in the meantime... Thanks, Laurie I think you are wise to have the axle checked by a pro. He may say they are old grandmothers worrying about nothing, but at least you will know. And if he says what I think he'll say, which is that you have a problem, then you can think about the long-pinion upgrade as part of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86Bug Truck Posted September 8, 2023 Author Share Posted September 8, 2023 I think you are wise to have the axle checked by a pro. He may say they are old grandmothers worrying about nothing, but at least you will know. And if he says what I think he'll say, which is that you have a problem, then you can think about the long-pinion upgrade as part of it. Just an update for those that might be curious. Found a great diff specialist in San Antonio, dropped the axle off Wednesday, and here's what the inside looks like: A bit of damage to the carrier from the pinion migration, not a huge deal. While they have it, going to do a full rebuild, swap for a long pinion yoke (1350), and upgrade to a helical posi-traction unit - fix it right the first time, yeah? Last few days I've been tearing down the front end. Hoping to salvage that radiator core support - they don't look easy to find for an old 6.9 Y'all have a great weekend, Laurie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Lewis Posted September 8, 2023 Share Posted September 8, 2023 Just an update for those that might be curious. Found a great diff specialist in San Antonio, dropped the axle off Wednesday, and here's what the inside looks like: A bit of damage to the carrier from the pinion migration, not a huge deal. While they have it, going to do a full rebuild, swap for a long pinion yoke (1350), and upgrade to a helical posi-traction unit - fix it right the first time, yeah? Last few days I've been tearing down the front end. Hoping to salvage that radiator core support - they don't look easy to find for an old 6.9 Y'all have a great weekend, Laurie I think you are doing it correctly. You'll be happy when it is done. EDIT: You should look the radiator support over closely for cracks. It isn't unusual for them to have stress cracks and it would be a good idea to have them welded or brazed up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86Bug Truck Posted September 8, 2023 Author Share Posted September 8, 2023 I think you are doing it correctly. You'll be happy when it is done. EDIT: You should look the radiator support over closely for cracks. It isn't unusual for them to have stress cracks and it would be a good idea to have them welded or brazed up. Thanks Gary. I didn't have to look too closely though. This is just below the air intake on driver side. The hits keep on coming! LOL Have a great weekend Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Lewis Posted September 8, 2023 Share Posted September 8, 2023 Thanks Gary. I didn't have to look too closely though. This is just below the air intake on driver side. The hits keep on coming! LOL Have a great weekend Yikes! That's not good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArdWrknTrk Posted September 8, 2023 Share Posted September 8, 2023 Hoping to salvage that radiator core support - they don't look easy to find for an old 6.9 I'm convinced that somebody could make a good business around modding gas core supports with the drop to fit IDI radiators. (I doubt there's enough in it to justify a set of stamping dies a short run) Maybe Tabco would be willing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86Bug Truck Posted September 20, 2023 Author Share Posted September 20, 2023 Hoping to salvage that radiator core support - they don't look easy to find for an old 6.9 I'm convinced that somebody could make a good business around modding gas core supports with the drop to fit IDI radiators. (I doubt there's enough in it to justify a set of stamping dies a short run) Maybe Tabco would be willing? Another update on the work. Removed the dash and rest of interior trim (also all door glass after photo was taken) Also pulled steering column, shaft, linkage, power steering pump, and steering gear box yesterday (and right fender). Column is on its way to DRB in VA for a rebuild. Hoping to source a Blue Top soon and still need to figure out what to order to replace the power steering pump. Having heck finding a replacement passenger battery bracket - there wasn't much of one left in the truck. And speaking of hard to find things - looks like the radiator has a "lean" to it? Hope y'all's builds are going just how you want, have a great week, Laurie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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