Rear end problems?

Tiny
FLAGMAN24
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET S-10
  • 4.3L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I have the truck listed above Xtreme pickup. The bearing inside the rear end that has the output shaft where the Driveline bolts to, it is behind that seal. The cage blew up and dropped all the bearings into my mini gears and all that. I need to know what I can get another rear end up out of that's compatible not just an S10 or an S10 Blazer or what have you what other vehicles have the same rear end? I'm at my Wit's End and I need some help.
Monday, January 15th, 2024 AT 4:48 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
A wrecking yard is your best bet on this, all you need to do is hold one rear tire still and count the revolutions of the drive shaft for the opposite tire to go around 2 times unless you have posi-traction in which case both tires will turn once. This will be the gear ratio which the yard will want to know. There are many applications that will fit your car and they have software they can tell which ones fit. Here is how to remove and replace the rear differential. Check out the images (below). Let us know if you need anything else.

Rear Axle Housing Replacement

Removal Procedure

1. Raise the vehicle.
2. Place jack or utility stands (such as GMDE 123-B67313) at the front of the vehicle.
3. Support the rear axle housing in order to relieve tension on the leaf springs.
4. Remove the rear tires and wheels assemblies.
5. Disconnect the shock absorbers from the axle brackets.
6. Disconnect the vent hose from the rear axle housing.

Important: Do not remove propeller shaft from the transmission or transfer case.

7. Disconnect the propeller shaft attached to the rear drive axle. Refer to the appropriate procedure in Propeller Shaft.
8. Secure the propeller shaft out of the way in order not put stress on the universal joints.
9. For vehicles with drum brake systems, remove the following components:
9.1 Remove the brake drums.
9.2 Remove the axle shafts.
9.3 Disconnect the brake lines from the axle housing.
9.4 Remove the rear backing plates from the axle housing.
- Suspend the backing plates with the brake lines from the axle housing using mechanics wire.
10. For vehicle with disc brake systems, remove the following components:
10.1 Remove the rear axle housing cover and gasket.
10.2 Disconnect the brake caliper hose from the brake pipe.
10.3 Remove the brake calipers.
10.4 Remove the brake rotors.
10.5 Remove the backing plates.
10.6 Remove the brake pipe from the axle housing.
11. Remove the rear park brake cables.
12. Remove right rear park brake cable from the cable guide on the rear axle.
13. Disconnect the rear spring from the axle.
14. Lower the axle from the vehicle.
15. Remove the differential assembly.
16. Remove the drive pinion yoke.
17. Remove the drive pinion.
18. Remove the drive pinion bearings from the drive pinion.
19. Remove the differential side bearings.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the new differential side bearings to the differential assembly.
2. Determine the selective shim thickness for the drive pinion.
3. Install the new drive pinion bearings.
4. Install the drive pinion.
5. Install the new drive pinion yoke oil seal and drive pinion yoke.
6. Install the differential assembly.
7. Install the new rear axle shaft bearings and oil seals.
8. Install the axle housing assembly to the rear springs.
9. For vehicle with disc brake systems, install the following components:
9.1 Install the brake pipe to the axle housing.
9.2 Install the backing plates.
9.3 Install the brake rotors.
9.4 Install the brake calipers.
9.5 Connect the brake caliper hose to the brake pipe.
10. For vehicles with drum brake systems, install the following components:
10.1 Install the rear backing plates to the axle housing.
10.2 Connect the brake lines to the axle housing.
10.3 Install the axle shafts.
10.4 Install the brake drums.
11. Install the rear axle housing cover and new gasket.
12. Install the right rear park brake cable in the cable guide on the rear axle.
13. Connect the park brake cables.
14. Install the propeller shaft. Refer to the appropriate procedure in Propeller Shaft.
15. Connect the shock absorbers to the axle brackets.
16. Connect the vent hose to the axle housing.
17. Install the rear tires and wheels assemblies.
18. Fill the axle with lubricant. Use the proper fluid.
19. Bleed the brakes system, disc brake systems only.
20. Remove the safety stands.
21. Lower the vehicle.
22. Test drive vehicle and check for leaks.

Check out the images (below). Let us know if you need anything else.
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Tuesday, January 16th, 2024 AT 9:36 AM

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