[BIGG]

Hey guys and gals

I got a small dilema. Ive recently purchased a complete Dana 80 for my pickup and I checked everything out except my diff has a factory locker and the one I purchased is open. The spider gears broke in mine and pretty much ruined the ring and pinion. I am on a tight budget and need some advice. Should I just put the new one in as is and deal with the open diff or buy new spider gears and combine the two so I can have the locker. Any opinions will be appreciated.

 

[cumminsdog]

The cheepest way is if you just put it in the way it is. If its a track-lock, and it should be for your year, you can get new spider gears for it. If its a power-lock you can not get new spiders and the carrier is toast.

If you want to get new spiders and put the new carrier in the new rear you got, its not as simple poping the old one out and droping the new one in. It needs to be set up properly with special tools for back lash and pinion depth. its also a good idea to get new bearings to install while your at it. Youd hate to have a bearing go out and have to pay to get the rear set up twice! A master install kit is around $300 and a set up is around $250. those numbers vary depending on where you get your parts from and shop fees. If you decide to put the carrier in the 'new' rear, get a kit with Timken bearings.