1998 GMC Sonoma Differential Rebuild Kits

Differential Rebuild Kits

Your vehicle’s differential is an essential drivetrain component, redistributing torque from the driveshaft to the axle shafts through a series of gears. This complex, gear-laden housing allows your vehicle to move back and forth via its collection of gears, including: 

• Pinion Gear: takes in rotational force from the driveshaft(s)

• Ring Gear: bolts to the differential carrier and meshes with the pinion gear

• Differential Gears: (spider gears) within the carrier that allow the axle shafts to move independently from one another 

Like most auto parts subjected to metal-on-metal contact, the differential incurs wear over several hundred thousand miles, resulting in larger tolerances, bearing wear, or even catastrophic damage! In these instances, a rebuild is necessary, and RealTruck offers just the products to do so: Differential Rebuild Kits!

Why Do I Need to Rebuild My Differential(s)?

As previously mentioned, differentials contain several wear components, like gears, bearings, and even clutches. After thousands of miles cataloged and poor service history, differentials can wear out, resulting in drivability issues like: 

• Grinding noises

• Humming or ‘howling’ sounds

• Gear oil leakage (often from pinion seals)

• Vibrations from the drive axle

• Difficulty turning

While many individuals never need to replace/rebuild their differential, aggressive driving, unresolved fluid leaks, and poor maintenance may exacerbate wear.

Types of Differential Rebuild Kits

Differential rebuild kits come in several shapes and sizes, depending on the differential type and how in-depth of a rebuild you’d like. For instance, some only offer some bearings and seals, some include all bearings and seals, and others include everything necessary to replace the entire differential, save the case! The three most common rebuild kit types include: 

Master Overhaul Kits: Complete rebuild kit, ideal for rebuilding an excessively worn, high-mileage differential, including gears. These kits include: 

• Carrier bearings and races

• Pinion bearings and races

• Pinion seal

• Axle seals

• Complete shim kit

• Ring gear bolts

• Pinion nut

• Oil baffles and slingers

• Thread locking compound

• Marking compound with brush

• Differential cover gasket

Pinion Bearing Kit: Pinion bearing and seal replacement, ideal for repairing leaking pinion seals when the remaining differential parts are in good working order. These kits include: 

• Pinion seal

• Shim kit

• Pinion nut

• Crush sleeve

• Thread locker

• Marking compound

• Silicone

• Bearings

Differential Bearing and Seal Kits: Complete seal and bearing kit, ideal for rebuilding a worn differential while reusing existing gears, hardware, and shims. This kit includes: 

• Carrier bearings and races

• Pinion bearings and races

• Pinion seal

• Axle seals

• Pinion nut

• Marking compound with brush

• Differential cover gasket