What material is a differential cross pin? Is it hardened? Does it have to be hardened?

I ask because I'm going to be doing a 4.56 gear swap in the spring and I am finally getting my factory limited slip unit back together. I have the new clutches back in with the spider gears. The original pin was worn out so I was thinking about making a new one since I work at a machine shop. I do have to buy the lock bolt but figured if I could save the $40 on the cross pin I would.

 

Ouch! $40 for a pin! Just had to comment, I really don't know but I would guess that it should be hardened.


You could harden it yourself, though.

 

For something of that nature, think I would actually spring the 40 bucks....... as it is a hell of a lot more expensive if you get it wrong......

 

It has to be hardened. Otherwise it will turn into a play-doh inside of your differential. Not a good idea. Junk yard might be good place to find good used unit.

 

I'll just get a new one. After thinking about it, I really don't want to risk a pin with a new gearset and while I'm on there I might as well replace it.