Hey all, haven’t posted in quite some time, so forgive if I am posting in the wrong spot? -some get real edgy about that-
Anywho, today I decided to do a rear end service and change/flush the old fluid out, as well as replace the gasket -it had not been done judging ever by the factory orange atv silicone as a gasket. I had to say for 126k miles it looked pretty good, until I fully removed the cover and find a present down in the bottom of the diff on the magnet -3 metal chunks of something! After assembling the pieces together somewhat, I found out that it was one of the LSD clutch clips. A head scratcher seeing how I have had NO inclination of any damage inside as there has been no noise, so it came as a surprise. After a little research, I learned that these buggers are known to do this in these 9.25 differentials (learn something new every day). Some have even removed them to avoid such issue? So now onto my million dollar question(s), does this mean I should be thinking on a rebuild?? Can I SAFELY run it as is? (Yes, we all
know we can “just run” anything lol). If the remaining clips are in there should I remove them? Obviously if if I replace anything inside, I’m having it all rebuilt with a DTT...I seem to have gotten mixed routes to take with this. Some say it’s not a huge deal and it can still be ran like this, while in contrary others say no, it should be addressed soon. I’ll attach some photos of the condition inside, as well as the pieces I’ve found. I did not look to see if the remaining 3 clips were still installed as I learned about this AFTER I’ve already re assembled the cover and gasket and filled her up with fresh 70-90 full synthetic...Ugh! So any input on this would greatly be appreciated as I’ve never had to deal with this, even after owning 3 2nd gens. Thanks In advance! 🤘🏽🍻

 

It's a gamble. You may be able to run it forever, without an issue.... or, it may munch itself up next week. You have probably been driving with that clip on the magnet for quite some time. Does the LSD still work??

 

I’ve been inclined to believe it’s been like this for some time also. Obviously the fact it’s filled with gear oil all the metal is preserved like new so it’s hard to tell if the breaks on the pieces are fresh or not. Also the fact the cover has never been removed. I did have a good amount of silver shimmer in my oil as well, assuming from the tab getting ground down, or worse, the bearings...😳. I just didn’t want to jump right into a 4 digit rebuild if I didn’t really have to, even though it’s has me on high ale set now. Would I start to develop a noise if it’s worsening? I have noticed some noise only when coasting at around 15-20mph almost the sound of a brake pad gently riding on a caliper. Just that soft airy sound (if I’m describing that currently). But absolutely no noise or whine is noticed whether coasting or accelerating. As far as I’m aware yes the LS is still functioning properly.

 

Can you just replace the clip?

Mine is still solid at 270k. Five years ago I looked into replacing gears and stupid Randy's OffRoad told me there's no way my diff isn't blown up. Then told me it would be 4k to replace it. I laughed and drove away. That was at 190k.

 

I drive around with the carrier gouged and 6 teeth broken on the ring gear. What caused it idk. And the LSD still worked. If you have the money for a rebuild I would just drive it and if it breaks get it rebuilt with a true posi (done trivia for your did you know that GM actually trademarked the word posi)

 

Honestly if I’m replacing anything I’m going to want to do all the bearings/races. I’m basically at the point where I either replace the parts that are damaged or drive it and be mindful of it. With Winter coming and my daily driver I just don’t want to be **** outta luck if it decides to detonate itself. I’d really like to upgrade to DTT to eliminate the clutches and this issue from happening again. It amazes me that so many have had this same issue, here I thinking I’m special or something 😂. I did jack the rear ended up yesterday and started the truck and put it in drive and got out to listen. It definitely is coming from the pinion area. Very faint, to where the untrained ear would think I’m nuts for saying I hear something (did I mention I’m hyper sensitive over vehicle noises lol). It definitely is there though and I have never had that sound before. And it is only heard at low speeds say 15-20mph, then goes away. I called a local shop about it and am waiting for a call back. I’ve learned some things are best left to a technician.

 

That noise is probably the pinion bearing. Which I believe is easy to change.

 

The front one is, the rear, not so much. Front is usually the one that fails.

 

Yeah the rear one the pinion had to come out. You telling me you wouldn't enjoy that!?

 

This is what it looks like. The pic shows where it goes(thanks to another member here). If only one is damaged the other one is doing the job for two. Over time it will fail and the clutch disks will just spin(open rear). But that also means broken metal could get caught between the ring and pinion witch is a lot more money and time to fix. You can just pull the carrier replace the clutches/clips put it back in and call it a day.