but someone has 
I had a VW GTI explode the diff entering the freeway, left 2-3" hole in the case, dumped gear oil… ayayay… no fun.
@ReikoX Thanks for the glorious gore-- those bolts are reminding me of scenes from The Terminator movies 
very cool.
Naw I’m known for blowing trannies…
…
…fuck
…dis guy!
LOL!
So last week I ordered a new gear set for my rear differential. I also ordered the install kit with new bearings and races, as well as some new leaf springs. Well everything made it, except the install kit. UPS didn’t leave the package, but said it was going to be left at the access point. Went to pick it up yesterday, and it wasn’t there. So, we weren’t able to mess with the diff yesterday.
Instead we decided to install the leaf springs. When we previously replaced the exhaust, the tail pipe was dumping hot air on my rear shackle. It completely melted the bushing and the nylon lock nut. So first we decided to re-work the exhaust so it wouldn’t ruin my new leaf springs. The old springs came off with a little effort and the old springs just fell apart when we removed them.
We got new hardware for the springs and a new tailpipe for the exhaust. We got the exhaust worked out, but before we welded it in my buddy suggested we replace my fuel pump since we have everything out of the way anyway. “It will only take 45 minutes”, he said. I needed a new pump to fix my gas guage anyway.
It ended up taking us two hours to get the filler lines to the tank setup. They must have installed this tank at the factory because the hose clamps were on the top of the tank where it was very difficult to reach them. Once we got those out of the way, the rest of the install went very smooth. Before the rear diff locked up on me, I was going to get some gas, I barely had a gallon in the bottom of that tank.
We ran out of daylight to finish, next weekend we plan to finish the rear differential and slap it back together. Its been fun working back on the Jeep, but my wallet is hurting a bit. Still have a huge list of stuff to do. While at have everything apart, I may look into installing the rear frame stiffeners I bought over a year ago…
Another buddy came by with his XJ. He just finished a motor swap. I think we are going to try and do some wheeling in the next few weeks. Truth be told, I don’t have much experience doing that, so I’m excited to learn.
Color me green with envy lol
You have a great beast to learn to wheel and another bonus is there is a ton of used parts for those on the market still.
Since the whole back end was taken apart, and the gas tank skid is still off, I decided to burn in the rear frame stiffeners. First we cleaned off the original undercoat, then fit the frame stiffeners. After my buddy welded them in, I cleaned up the welds, primed, and resprayed the undercoat.
We also got the gas tank skid plate cleaned and repainted. We went and got some gas for the gas tank, and it started right up. It even told me I had 1/4 tank of gas.
Next weekend we will put back the gas tank, weld in the tailpipe, and install the new springs. We will finish it off by reinstalling the new greatest and ordering drives shafts.
Damn! My buddy, E-Rock, who has been helping me with my Jeep went out wheeling today. He hit a rock with his rear diff and snapped it clean off.
That’s impressive! 
Quick drain!
Time for that steel shield/skid-plate project…
I’ve got some mermaid stickers from a Hawaiian dive shop for you. 
Got the pinion depth worked out this weekend. Next we will set backlash and bearing pre-load. Then we will slap it all back together.
Another busy weekend working on the Jeep. Saturday we got the backlash and bearing pre-load done. We re-ran the gear pattern, I can live with that.
While everything was apart, we went ahead and replaced the wheel bearings and caps. We didn’t have the proper tool, so we just banged them out with a long piece of tubing while the carrier was out.
Finally we installed the gas tank skid and the leaf springs before having some cocktails and calling it a day. I won’t lie, I ended up getting drunk.
Sunday we got the exhaust welded up. Then we slammed in the back end. We filled the differential up with oil and got the tires back on.
A quick 10 mile test drive and everything seems to be breaking in fine. I really like how it sits now with the new leaf springs. Next to measure it up for new drive shafts.
very nice!!
putting 4:10s in our camaro as I type this…haha
Sweet, thats my Camaro in the background of the last picture.
What ranchos are you running ?
Enjoy. 
. I have an actual build video if you like…lol
here is a quick build video, and first drive tuning it. It has now done 10.81@124mph at the strip. And, it is my daily driver.
I’m just running generic shocks at the moment. The new leaf springs are Rubicon Express 4.5" lift springs.
Dope Camaro build! Mine is a stock 2015 SS. I’ve thought about building it up, but at 420 WHP, I am good enough. I already tear through my tires fast enough.
Man I’ve built many a hot rod mud try uck and a few 10 second street legal hot rods I really miss it …glad I looked into this post enjoy my friends… freaking luv it…
Welcome bud! Glad you enjoy it. I know I’m spending more time wrenching than wheeling. We have a day trip planned for three weeks from now.
