[Gilv2071]

What's up everyone,

Newbie here. Bought an 04 Titan 4x4 about a month ago. Knew I'd need to fix some things. This past weekend, I changed the engine oil and rear diff fluid. When I pulled the drain plug on diff, the magnet had a piece of gear stuck to it. Question, I know I should get this fixed but can this wait until I make arrangements and still drive without any more serious damage? I did drive the truck home when I bought it and have driven maybe 300 miles before I was aware of the issue. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

 

[Pale Rider]

pics of the damage would be good. pull the cover off and see what broke. a corner, a spider gear,???

 

[Gilv2071]

Not sure when I'll have time to open the case but here is what I found.

 

[Pale Rider]

not good. looks like a spider gear. which is very common in these Nissan modified dana 44`s. pull that cover asap.

 

[Gilv2071]

No bueno. So, can this be a DIY job? I'm ok with wrenching but this may be out of my league. Any idea what a shop will charge? I know price will vary depending on what this find and parts but just a ballpark figure?

Thanks,

 

[Pale Rider]

still need more info and what exactly broke. This may also have been a reason why the truck was sold.
cheapest fix is to install used spiders in an open carrier, and you`ll need to clearance 2 teeth on the ring gear to allow the cross shaft pin to pass.
or: install a Spartan locker, same method as above.
or have a shop install a true trac diff, now we are at nearly a grand.
or buy a complete used known good axle assy and install...
but this is based on an assumption. you need to inspect what is broken. if you drive the truck and it comes apart further, the pieces will bind and destroy what`s left resulting in a tow and further damage.
good luck

 

[Gilv2071]

Ok, I'll shop around and see what my best option is.

Thanks Pale Rider.

 

[Pale Rider]

Ok, I'll shop around and see what my best option is.

Thanks Pale Rider.

ya man, wish I could sugar coat it, but the reality is if your finding pieces stuck to the magnet, it`s not happy. you`d be better off upgrading to a 2008+ diff assy. I think I sold mine for 900 with a spartan locker installed, PML cover, minus the E brake backing plates/dust covers and caliper mounts.

something like that might be the easiest/quickest turn around.
make sure you keep/find the same exact gear ratio.

 

[Gilv2071]

I've been researching the Eaton True Trac, looks like this might be the way to go if I want reliability. Not cheap but if it will last me a long time, I'll dish out the money. I knew when I bought the truck I was going to end up with some fixes, just not this quick. You have any experience with Eaton? I spoke to a shop that can begin tearing into it on Monday.

 

[Pale Rider]

I've been researching the Eaton True Trac, looks like this might be the way to go if I want reliability. Not cheap but if it will last me a long time, I'll dish out the money. I knew when I bought the truck I was going to end up with some fixes, just not this quick. You have any experience with Eaton? I spoke to a shop that can begin tearing into it on Monday.

not that particular differential. you are 4x4, and I`m not 100% certain if you don`t need any axle swapping to make the TruTrac work. I`m guessing you have an open differential and those pieces are the spiders coming apart. In that case you might have equal length axles Left and right. I`m not sure if the e locker was avail, and which had the unequal length axles... my best suggestion is to
read up some on the forum before you commit.
Im more into the Ford 9" sets up from cars past, and have chosen a Dana 60 for my Titan. just make sure you have researched and checked out the shop that says they can do the install. new bearings and seals for the diff, and most likely new bearings/seals for the axles as well. research axle vent mod here on the forum, and do that when you get the opportunity.