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Front Differential On '04

2605 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  MuskyHunter
Hey Folks,

I don't want to "shell out" the $1000+ price (parts only) the dealer wants for a new front differential. My titan has 115,000 miles and sounds like its supercharged when I reach 62 miles per hour.

No, its not wheel bearing (yes, the rear leaked and have been replaced) and last week not wanting to face the music, I replaced the front wheel bearing assembly.

Its the front differential, bearings? gears? I don't know, but my dealer says it would be best to replace the whole differential. Why not...from brakes, to rear axle seals, to door wiring in the rear doors... why don't I just buy a extra new truck for parts!!

Enough wining... any suggestions on what I should be aware of as I comb the mid-Atlantic junk yards for a new(used) differential??

Thanks, NOHEARTBEAT
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From what I have been told by my dealers service manager, the front differential is on its third design (two revisions and the original). The advantage of getting the new one, being assured it is the latest revision might mean that you will have a more dependable unit. Getting a used differential, there is no guarantee. If you can get a used one cheap enough, lets say 1/3 price of new, go used. If over 1/2 price of new, I would go new.
What do you need? I shattered my front housing on my Titan and I'm about to buy a new one soon. I'm going to take mine out and take it apart. I think all the part inside are still good. Might can work something out if you want. Let me know. I'm trying to sell a few things to come up with the money for a new one.

Also, I've been checking salvage yards. Cheapest I've found so far was $650 shipped.
Thanks,
If I can't go cheap, I'll definately inquire about the updated version prior to my order.
Wow Thanks for that info Musky. Mine is noisy as hell, so I'm optimistic about the new and improved replacement they will be using when this one goes.

You are lucky to have access to that kind of info. No way my dealer would know, much less divulge that info.
CHEIF said:
Wow Thanks for that info Musky. Mine is noisy as hell, so I'm optimistic about the new and improved replacement they will be using when this one goes.

You are lucky to have access to that kind of info. No way my dealer would know, much less divulge that info.
Yeah, they are pretty good and straight shooters. For the front differential, I am told that there are two part numbers the dealer can order for the front replacement. You should ask the parts department which one is the later release. If it helps, my assembly was 38500-8511B.
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