Rear Diff spider gears

[maggoo]

Hey guys

The other day i was at my mates place and noticed a lot of oil leaking out of a rear wheel area.

Figured out it was a rear axle seal. So jacked it up and pulled the axle out and found that the passenger side wheel bearing had exploded......

This is the wheel bearing. All fell out when i pull the axle out.
http://imageshack.us/a/img706/6087/1000202j.jpg


So now i have pulled both axles and drained all the oil. Trying to flush the crap out of the axle tubes.
But i noticed that my top/bottom spider gears in the diff have been chipped and worn a lot.
I was wondering if this is an immediate problem or will it last a while longer?
In about 1-2 months i will be getting lockers and ratios.

I have ordered wheel bearings and seals and also overhauling the drum brakes while I'm at it.
Just worried about the diff gears now.

Pictures of gears. My camera was struggling to focus so sorry for the bad quality.
http://imageshack.us/a/img17/8828/1000201pg.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img222/9108/1000198d.jpg



Any help and advise would be much appreciated.
Cheers,
Paul

[bonza]

I would leave it until you regear, if it is no more than a couple of months.
and avoid tight turns at full lock while giving it some pedal

[Dustbowl]

Piss the spiders off And go auto locker :mrgreen:

[sssadamsss]

it will be fine. mine were worse than that for a long time...

[Army Barbie]

Yep mine are much worse and lasted 2 years. Only reason why I'm using past tense is because the whole diff has been pulled of my TJ and won't be going back under.
I drive at idling speed offroad but on road I sometimes give it a bit and it's always been fine.
It'll be fine:)

[maggoo]

Thanks everyone!

Bit of a relief that they should be OK for a while.
I will be doing the wheel bearings / seal on Saturday.
Just wondering if there is anything special i need to know or is it as simple as pressing them on and off i go?

Another thing
When i get lockers/ratios i was thinking of attempting to do it myself
I am getting better at mechanical work and it would defiantly save a lot of money.
Has anyone here installed their own ARB air locker and ring and pinion ratios?
Difficulties?
Something to attempt or give in and pay for installation?

Cheers,
Paul

[bonza]

doing gears is not rocket science, but is also not for the novice.
well established trade base skills and crafts required, plus a well equipped work shop helps. its bit more than unbolting and rebolting, but if you feel confidant then give it a go. if worse comes to worse can always be finished off in a diff shop.