Thrust washers and Gears

parkbrau · #1 01-07-2019, 02:56 PM

While I was going through the brakes I took the axles out and a thrust washer fell out. Took them both out and they don't look good. Also planetary gear is scored, see pics. This is out of a 3.55 12 bolt. Is it a PITA to change those side gears and planetary gears w/washers out? Parts source/Part numbers?

**big gear head** · #2 01-07-2019, 03:17 PM

Looks like someone has been doing a lot of one wheel burnouts. This is very destructive to a differential. Changing the gears and washers is not difficult, but from the looks of it I would say that the inside of the differential case is also worn and the whole unit should be replaced. The thrust washers behind the axle gears are probably shot too. If it was mine I'd upgrade to a Eaton Posi so there are no more one wheel burnouts.

parkbrau · #3 01-07-2019, 03:21 PM

Thanks Freddie. Looks like I need to do some research on rear end builders in my area. Any recommendations on parts? Keep the same gears in?

**big gear head** · #4 01-07-2019, 03:23 PM

The ring & pinion should be fine. Swapping the differential isn't a big deal. I don't know exactly where you are, but Tom's Differentials was in CA years ago before he moved. He sold the CA store to someone who kept it open. If you are close to them then that would be a good place to go. If you want to do it yourself I can help with that.

**big gear head** · #5 01-07-2019, 03:36 PM

Before going any farther go ahead and take the rest of the gears out and see what the case looks like inside. I could be wrong about the wear on the case, and if I am then the fix is easy. It looks like one of those thrust washers has been replaced at one time with one from a Eaton Posi, which is why it fell out. When you get the axle gears out look at them and see if they are worn or turning blue. Also look in the case at the area behind all 4 thrust washers and see if it's worn. If your case is good then I probably have a set of gears.

**scuncio** · #6 01-13-2019, 02:48 PM

Tom had moved to Idaho years ago, and just recently passed away. I believe his business is still being run after his death.

bbbentley · #7 01-13-2019, 05:39 PM

Last spring I spoke with the widow and was putting an order list together. At that time she said they would try and stay open. Just recently, another buddy told me that now the business is closed.

**big gear head** · #8 01-13-2019, 06:12 PM

The CA store was sold when Tom moved to Idaho. The CA store is still open and not connected to the Idaho store.

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