Question about 1997+ rear ends

[HBR]

Are there any common weak points or areas of failure on the 1997+ rear ends or are they pretty solid?


Thanks

[meimk]

The only real failures I've personally seen are bearing failures. The uppermost bearings (input shaft) have no positive means of lubrication, they rely on splash only. When they are replaced you can get closed bearings are fill them with grease before they go in. That maximizes their life, but they will still eventually wear out.

[HBR]

You weren't kidding about lack of lubrication. I picked up two rear ends and both had bearing damage, one worse than the other.



This is the bearing from the rear end that was nearly locked up.



And when the bearing gives, things start rubbing that shouldn't.



There were only two thrust washers on the input shaft of each rear end. I didn't realize there should have been three until I started ordering parts.