shredded ring and pinion gear

[john hudler]

95 tahoe with 329,000 miles. today i opened up the rear to find the ring and pinion gear were shredded. but it seems all other parts inside the rear are in good working order. there were chunks of the pinion gear the size of my thumb laying in the bottom of the pumpkin.

i have a good friend/mechanic/neighbor who helped me investigate my problem. he seems to think i could handle replacing the gears myself. i know this truck in and out, but have never dealt with a rear end.

anyone have thoughts, experience, or horror stories? i could really use the help.

 

[drakon543]

If you dont have the proper tools to set the proper backlash on the gears do not attempt this yourself. I know a few who think you dont need to set it that close or will use something else to set the gears. Differentials should be set to proper back lash and torque specs for safe long lasting operation.