I'm in conversations with a seller of a 8 3/4 rear, has the Auburn style sure grip, seller is up front that the unit has not been renewed, rebuilt.

This is another new area for me and I have spent some time searching the internet for info on these.
I understand that per Auburn these units are not rebuildable, but there is info on the internet that says they are

http://www.arkansaspontiacs.org/techsto ... rnfix.html

1) does anyone have experience with a shop that can re work these, is it a good idea?
2) the seller of the axle will have the centers section out, so I can review it, what should I be looking for to determine if the Sure Grip is shot or serviceable ?
3) what can I tell on the gears, pinion, from a visual inspection?

thanks

Even when good or "repaired", the "cone type" limited slip unit wears-out quickly.
I don't waste my time on them.
There is nothing you can really "see" without taking the LS uint apart.
Once apart, you will see that the cones have "bottomed-out" in the case and they will need to be machined shorter, then shims added to take-up the slop at the spider gears.

If the unit has been operated a long time with the cones bottomed-out , the side gears and spider gears will show lots of tooth face wear with rounded edges.
Some say they can tell how much wear is in a cone LS unit by the looking at the amount of spring compression but that is a "crap-shoot".
Mechanical damage is obvious, a backlash check tells you a little, (it could have been re-adjusted) Smoothness of rotation (bearings) but it is best to use checking compound and "roll" a contact pattern onto the teeth and look at that. A well centereded and broad contact patten results in a strong unit that operates with-out gear noise. (whine) There are many contact pattern charts posted on the web.
DD

thanks,
your reply is in line with what I have read on line about these, folks align at the far ends of the spectrum on these Auburn units, either like em or have no use for them.

For a contact interpretation chart found this one
http://www2.dana.com/pdf/5717.PDF

I am looking for a source for the gear compound

Chalk or grease pencil or in a pinch a Sharpie will all work.
Frank

_________________
Scrapple: Because a mind is a terrible thing to waste.
73 Duster - Race Car
66 Dart Wagon - DD
178" FED
82 D150
All Slant powered

Diaper creme and white toothpaste have also been suggested.

_________________
David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

DadTruck,

I love my 8 3/4 Auburn. It is very smooth and grips great! Daily I drive on very twisty roads at high speed and love the feel.
I had Randy's Ring and Pinion in Everett, WA rebuild mine. They did an excellent job!

Running full synthetic and extra diff modifier.

_________________
Aggressive Ted

http://cid-32f1e50ddb40a03c.photos.live ... %20Swinger


74 Swinger, 9.5 comp 254/.435 lift cam, 904, ram air, electric fans, 2.5" HP2 & FM70 ex, 1920 Holley#56jet, 2.76 8 3/4 Sure-Grip, 26" tires, 25+MPG