rear differential problem
 

87 Silverado 4WD, Got down to the end of my street at the stop sign started to go heard a loud clunk and no go. Put it in 4 hi to get it back home. In gear the drive line is turning and the yoke is leaking oil but no go. Never had any problems with differentials. Any ideas on what broke? I am guessing something major.

Re: rear differential problem
 

Gotta pull the diff cover and take some pics!

Re: rear differential problem
 

Not an easy fix if your yoke is turning and the vehicle not moving. Stripped splines, sheared teeth, broken pinion shaft, etc

Re: rear differential problem
 

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/v...pschsgnfhb.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/v...psesl8yc9t.jpg

Re: rear differential problem
 

THAT is impressive.

Re: rear differential problem
 

You may have gotten very lucky. Did they damage the ring gear at all? If not grab a spider gear set and see what happens.

Re: rear differential problem
 

From what I can see the ring and pinion look OK, I will get a better look when I remove the spider gears and clean it out.

Re: rear differential problem
 

Got it cleaned out, pinion gear had some chips on the end of a couple of teeth but I think it will be OK. Replaced the spider gears with a set of Yukons from Summit. Installed new pinion seal, the pinion was a little sloppy so I gave the nut about a half turn more than where it was originally. Been driving around for a couple of days and seems to be OK. Probably will have the ring and pinion replaced in the near future just for the peace of mind.

Re: rear differential problem
 

If you want a lift and bigger tires later on i would wait to re gear it then.