I can't make a decision on this issue. I have a 1994 B250 extended cargo van with 210,000 miles that runs like a spotted assed ape(5.2), uses no oil, and I have every intention of turning into a minimalist type camper. The problem is that there is so much whine in the rear end, I'm sure it needs some serious attention. Forty or fifty years ago my dad had an auto repair shop and I would not have hesitated to throw a jack under it and go to work -- I was around 18 back then and knew everything. Today, however, the situation has changed. I know that you guys are experienced enough to give me some insight. 1.) Would any 1994 B250 rear end you might find in a junkyard fit this vehicle?? 2.) Are they even worth messing with?? 3.) Would you get the rear end replaced or would you try the differential bearing repair kit?? 4.) How much do you think it should cost to have the rear end replaced with one from a junkyard -- parts included?? 5.) How much do you think it should cost to have the bearings replaced, including the kit?? I have already had to replace the PCM and the ignition switch, and found a bad connection running from the switch to the starter relay (3 different problems at different times.) Any thoughts from you guys would be appreciated. Thanks

 

A JY rear end could end up being just as bad or worst than your current one. If you have the know-how and the tools I would rebuild your existing one. It'll be less expensive and you'll have a like new rear end.

 

I agree with Alloro. I find that usually the whining is from the pinion bearing, or low fluid or too thin of fluid. I just rebuilt a rear end, I put new pinion and axle bearings in and new pinion and axle seals, and new u-joints, and blue rtv for the cover and new amsoil gear oil. I think all together I spent about $140, it might cost more depending on where you get your parts. But the first thing I would do is take the cover off and see if there any large chunks laying in the bottom of the differential and see if anything is missing any chunks or is scored badly. A used rear end might get you by for awhile, but you have no idea what's been done to it and how long it will last. I don't remember which rear ends these vans use, I want to say a 8.75". I believe any 78-94 (I think) rear end would bolt in.

 

Our vans most likely have either the 10 bolt(diff cover) 8 3/8 axle usually referred to as 8 1/4
or the 9.25, whose 12 bolt cover looks more like a stop sign.

My 8 3/8 was making a lot of noise. I pulled the cover, and axles, and found the ring and pinion worn, and the spider gears pitted. The axle shafts were pitted.

I went to a dozen junk yards and pulled a 9.25 axle from the lowest mileage van I could find, installed it, and found it was louder than my 8 3/8.

I took it to a driveline shop where they found it was also bent. They straightened it, installed all new bearings painted it and got me for almost 900$. So with the 250$ JY axle and an adapter u joint I was around the $1250 mark.

If I were to try and have the 8 3/8 refurbished it was going to need a new ring and pinion, spider gears, axleshafts and new bearings/seals. All those parts would be around 800$, minimum.

I am happier that I now have a beefier quiet 9.25 axle and the confidence it was built correctly by professionals. But with the benefit of hindsite, I still don't know if I would have gone the route I did, or rebuild the 8 3/8.

My point is to inspect your axle components closely. Don't assume it is just the bearings making noise, and that the R&P are still good, and the axleshafts not pitted.

If you get a JY axle, you could get one in worse condition than your current one.

If my JY axle needed a new R&P and Spider gears and axleshafts, I would still be cursing.

When I changed the axle lube at 500 miles after the rebuild, I used synthetic.

It takes about 2.4 quarts.

 

Oh man, are you still crying about that? LOL j/k

 

I still curse that junkyard daily...and their catastrophic failure 30 day warranty.

But you know what, it's been almost 2 years now, and I have a better Axle that probably cost about the same or less than what completely rebuilding my 8 3/8 would have cost.

It was just the effort expended driving all over the county, then the stress of finding out I was not yet even in the middle of my expenditure.

I thought the OP might benefit from it, but your right.

 

Yes, use Blue RTV silicone but also spend the $5 on a cover gasket, Fel-Pro RDS 55047 or gear oil WILL leak from the rear.

 

Thanks to all of you for your comments. I'm going to be out of pocket for a couple of weeks and I'll get back on this project when I get back.
I did call a couple of places today and they don't rebuild differentials -- they just replace them with JY pieces -- and one place would do it for $1150 with a 6 month warranty. He was so nice!!
I am leaning toward the rebuild routine.
Thanks again

 

If someone was willing to pay me $1150 to rebuild their differential I'd be nice too.

 

The cynical misanthrope in me thought that 'He was so nice.!!' comment reeked of sarcasm.

Unless they are taking that junk yard axle apart and replacing the bearings and seals, 1150$ is equivalent of a 5 finger prostate exam.

They said they don't rebuild them, so bend over and grab your ankles. The difference between a full rebuild and just replacing all the bearings is the difference between grabbing a new part to reinstall, or the old one. No difference in the amount labor.

I'll warranty you current axle for 6 months. It might be noisy, but it will last 6 more months.

Look for a driveline shop for this type of work. Joe Blow on the corner might be familiar with some axles, or just use yours as a learning experience no matter how nice he is.

I was quoted 640$ for a full bearing and seal replacement. This was without any new parts besides the bearings/seals, and not having to remove the axle from the vehicle.