LML Cracked Front Diff..Fixable?

[snowman22]

Today when I was under the truck getting ready to install new tie rods, U joints, and other things to make a 4wd launch possible, I found a little surprise waiting for me....I hate finding broken things when I don't have a good story to go with it!

The crack is weeping oil, but not dropping. This 4wd world is new to me and I haven't opened a front diff on these trucks. The crack looks like it could be welded, but I don't exactly know where are the bearing races are in this thing.

Any thoughts?

 

[Chevy1925]

it will need to be taken apart to be welded and thats assuming someone can weld it. those cast aluminum diffs retain oil and its a nightmare for a TIG welder to weld them. may be best to source a good used one to drop in

 

[snowman22]

Yea, that's my fear. This is about where I'm at at this point.

https://www.ebay.com/i/223001026085...7&rk=1&rkt=3&sd=223033845855&itm=223001026085

 

[Ne-max]

Where you located?

 

[snowman22]

SoCal

 

[OregonDMAX]

If a diff from a 2500hd gasser is the same which I'm assuming it is if it's a 263 then I have one in phoenix,AZ I'll sell you. Pm me if you are interested and I can get more info off of it.

 

[Hambone]

The gasser might be a 4:10 ratio though?
Yes you could weld it but like James said it’s a pain in the butt and if your going to be launching it I would not recommend welding!
The weld itself would be fine but the area surrounding it becomes compromised

 

[OregonDMAX]

The gasser might be a 4:10 ratio though?
Yes you could weld it but like James said it’s a pain in the butt and if your going to be launching it I would not recommend welding!
The weld itself would be fine but the area surrounding it becomes compromised

I'd have to look, either way it's a good case...

 

[snowman22]

Well, for all of you having a bad day, here is a little humor for you....:roflmao:

So.. I was about as confident as possible the diff case was cracked. So I got a good deal on a new GM diff, half axles, basically just missing the solenoid. Between the time it was going to take to remove and source a new case I couldn't afford the downtime. So I purchased the part before having the old one on the bench.

Well, after getting the new one, the crack I thought I had, must be a casting line and not a crack. It looks like the last oil change a little oil followed the line and made it appear it was weeping at the lowest point. Attached is a picture of the new diff that showed up today.

P.S. if anyone needs a front diff, PM me!

 

[Chevy1925]

Ya know, I was thinking it might been a casting line but the damn pics made it look just like a crack and that oil was rather convincing. Maybe you can return it?

 

[snowman22]

Ya know, I was thinking it might been a casting line but the damn pics made it look just like a crack and that oil was rather convincing. Maybe you can return it?

Seriously, damn oil!

The people I got it from made me too angry with the shipping logistics. Ill use it to hold a door open before I try and send it back to them!

 

[Dozerboy]

That sucks. I wondered about it being crack, but figured it was just the the fact I was looking at a picture.


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