Steelheading365 Posted July 13, 2014 Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 Had my front diff rebuilt about 8,000 miles ago, started whining the other day so I changed the fluid. When I pulled the drain plug there were metal shavings all over the magnet. Nothing big and chunky like when I checked it before the rebuild, but still a fair amount. Is this normal? I have a warranty on the diff but wanted some advice before I went in to talk to the mechanic that did the work. Thanks in advance guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Downeast Johnny Posted July 13, 2014 Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 I had my front diff rebuilt about 30,000 ago. Change the fluid twice a year, (About every 5,000 miles), always have metal shavings on the plug, but no whine yet. I think that these diff's are constantly eating themselves. They seam to have a tough life. On the other hand they seam to be overbuilt too so maybe it evens out. I am convinced that the key is regular fluid changes at relatively close intervals. I bought a second diff in order to keep a spare ready to go in the truck when one fails. Your whine would be a cause for concern to me. I would at least mention it to the mechanic who rebuilt it if just to let him know it is showing bad sign's already. Good luck with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tanker Posted July 13, 2014 Report Share Posted July 13, 2014 I had mine rebuilt and it seemed fine for about 5K. I changed the fluid twice in that time and always seem to have that metallic sludge on the drain plug. I ended up getting a second diff on standby like Johnny did in case mine should fail. I wish I could find the cure for the front diff issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steelheading365 Posted July 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 14, 2014 I figured there would be some shavings, I was trying to figure out how to post a pic I took of the drain plug after I pulled it. At least I'm not alone, my shocks are toast, could that have anything to do with it? Looking into a new set this week, seems like bilstein is the only option for stock height, around $400 for fronts and rears. Seem about right? Also where can you get a new front diff for an 03 SSS? I was under the impression that they were not available anymore. Aftermarket? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Downeast Johnny Posted July 14, 2014 Report Share Posted July 14, 2014 You need a host site, (Like photobucket), to post pic's, or at least thats how I do it from my desktop. You should do yourself a favor and contact Tony, (NORCAL SS) about the shocks. He has a lot of experience with our trucks and good deals on shocks and other parts. http://www.silveradoss.com/forums/user/9897-norcal-ss/ I got my spare diff from a member of this site. They come up available from time to time. Keep your eye out for trucks being parted out and keep checking the for sale section. There are other truck, (At least some models of the Escalade), that use these front diff's however you ould need to change the gear set to match your rear diff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steelheading365 Posted July 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 14, 2014 Thanks DJ, this truck has been such a money pit, I am set on keeping it and getting it to where I don't jump out and check underneath for leaks every time it makes a funny sound or smell. The third day I had it, one of the oil cooler lines blew off and I was dumping oil while driving down the street. I smelled it burning on the exhaust so I shut it off before it lost more than a couple quarts. This site has probably saved me $1000's in labor alone just through using all the how to's. All I know is some dick decided to run it into the ground and then trade it in, I got it for a really good price so that's a positive. Rebuilt front diff, rotors and pads front and back, both front hub assemblies, tranny, transfer case and rear diff service, the chassis hadn't been lubed in years, brake flush, coolant flush, fuel filter, etc, just a headache. I did everything except the front diff myself all from info I found on this site. I really appreciate the help and hopefully Norcalss can get me a deal on some shocks and I'll see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'll also try and host those pics online. Thanks again everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Downeast Johnny Posted July 14, 2014 Report Share Posted July 14, 2014 Hang tough Matt. It's always discouraging going through the up-hill battle of making up for years of neglect of maintenance. Sounds like you should be getting to the end of the tunnel. Also sounds like the truck lucked out and found the right owner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zebra Posted July 14, 2014 Report Share Posted July 14, 2014 As a point of reference, this is mine after 4000 miles on Mobil1. I've got Amsoil Severe Gear in it now, we will see how it does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steelheading365 Posted July 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 14, 2014 Here's what I found on mine the other day. And here it is before I had the diff rebuilt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
03SSBoy Posted July 14, 2014 Report Share Posted July 14, 2014 Thats the amount i had before i rebuilt it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steelheading365 Posted July 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 14, 2014 Crap, at least I got that warranty. Now I have to argue with this guy and convince him to rebuild it again or refund my money. Fml Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
00_liftedsilvy Posted July 14, 2014 Report Share Posted July 14, 2014 That's crazy there is already metal shavings in it! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4Runner Posted July 14, 2014 Report Share Posted July 14, 2014 I know on my rock crawler everytime you replace gears you have to do a break in and change the diff oil at 500 miles and again at 1250 and I've always had that. I've only broke one pair of R/Ps and I've always done them myself. The noise sounds like to much pinion load I think is what it's called anyways. Just my 2 cents. Best of luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blown 346 Posted July 14, 2014 Report Share Posted July 14, 2014 GM does state to drain and refill after 500 miles when the diff is new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steelheading365 Posted July 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 14, 2014 Yea I knew to drain and refill on a new one but wasn't sure on the rebuild. I just went with what the tech said that did the work. I have a few more months on the warranty, going to put a few more miles on it and change the fluid out again. If there's more shavings I'm making him replace it. Thanks for the input guys, can't say enough how great this site is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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