e99 dually differential options?

[SD70M]

My dually's rear diff started clunking at takeoff, especially when towing our camper. I took it to a truck shop, since I know little to nothing about differentials. I got a call from them today and they say that my diff is just plain worn out. Side gears, ring and pinion gears are all worn badly. The bearings are also about shot, especially the driver's side carrier.

They quoted me three prices..

1) Only replace the side gears and bearings... $1,000 parts and labor. Pretty much, a "Band-aid" fix.

2) Replace the whole differential, with a rebuilt unit and new bearings... $1,600 parts and labor. Also includes a 1 year, unlimited mileage parts warranty.

3) Replace the whole differential, with an entirely new Jasper unit. $3,000 parts and labor. Includes a 3 year, unlimited mileage warranty. That warranty also includes parts, labor and towing.


Anybody have any other ideas??

 

[WD40]

How many miles are on your rear diff, I have seen 1999 F-350 DRW with 500,000
on them and never had anything done to them but change the oil and clean them
out ever 100.000 miles.
How long do you plan on keeping this truck and what kind of shape is the rest of
the truck in?
Doug

 

[SD70M]

Hey Doug..

The truck has 313,000 on the ticker and was apparently abused, earlier in it's life. I'm getting the diff rebuilt and will be using full synthetic 75w-140 in it. I'll also be maintaining it right, from now on.. The truck is in reasonably good condition, all things considered. I just put new injectors in it, last summer... It's going to be my dedicated towing vehicle, for our fifth wheel camper.

 

[WD40]

That's going to be the best bet if you plan on keeping the truck.
I pull a 35 footer fifthwheel also. Everything needs to be in good
shape.
Doug