Found this when changing rear diff oil!!

[1998_K1500_Sub]

Agreed. So it sounds like if these are found it would likely be from a previous failure that was repaired. Would have noticeable issues if condition was still there.

I wouldn’t draw that conclusion. It might be evidence of an existing failure.

I wouldn’t leave that $h!t in the housing in the course of a repair.

Let’s see what others say. Maybe that other thread @Keeper linked says it all. I’m far from an expert.

 

[GoToGuy]

At the least, a very thorough clean. Then a close inspection with small mirror, bright light. Any residual scratches, indications, ring and pinion chewed on any parts. I don't know if pulling the axle shafts away from diff would gain any more visual. That's what I would consider.

 

[Keeper]

Thank you sir!!

You are very welcome. Let's see what the pros say.

I initially swore that this was that same thread because the pics were so similar. Good to know some memory cells are still active.

In general, I don't think 14 bolt G80's have an issue.

 

[Sean Buick 76]

Rebuild time. No one would leave the pieces after rebuilding.

 

[mehcs]

Rebuild time. No one would leave the pieces after rebuilding.

Argh!! Any idea what something like that would run?

 

[Sean Buick 76]

Three options.

1. Ignore it put it back together and see if it’s ok long term.

2. Skip the diagnosis and swap the entire rear.

3. Rebuild the rearend completely.

In order of cost

 

[1998_K1500_Sub]

1. Ignore it put it back together and see if it’s ok long term.

2. Skip the diagnosis and swap the entire rear.

3. Rebuild the rearend completely.

Option 2 and 3 also enable a change in the rear end ratio if that's of any value, with attendant cost of course where applicable.

 

[mehcs]

Three options.

1. Ignore it put it back together and see if it’s ok long term.

2. Skip the diagnosis and swap the entire rear.

3. Rebuild the rearend completely.

In order of cost

Option 1 is enticing if I didn’t buy the truck to haul a 6000lb travel trailer with the wife and kids. If it were just around town, I’d role the dice.

 

[1998_K1500_Sub]

Option 1 is enticing if I didn’t buy the truck to haul a 6000lb travel trailer with the wife and kids. If it were just around town, I’d role the dice.

Me? I would go for Option 3, then I would know what I got when it's done. I'd probably just put in an open diff, which would suit my driving.

3.73 gears are fine with an OD trans for the most part, but if my plan was to pull a substantial load around most of the time and/or put on taller tires I would think 4.10 or 4.56, or instead put in 3.42 and tow in "D".

But nobody asked me.

 

[Sean Buick 76]

Option 1 is enticing if I didn’t buy the truck to haul a 6000lb travel trailer with the wife and kids. If it were just around town, I’d role the dice.

Strap the truck to a treee and test it out like this!

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