V8S Diff lock rings

[LamboV8S]

Hey chaps had a spare half hour at work so started stripping the V8's diff, despite using WD40 and heat the tags on the out-put shaft castle lock nuts are departing!! does anyone know if these are still readily available given it's Sierra? obviously a crap trap where they are on the S.
Can always re-engineer but easy replacent is the best way.

Lambo

[Barkychoc]

It doesn't mean it hasn't happened but I don't recall anyone having rebuilt a V8S diff, although no doubt Pete Humphries has broken one or two.

[LamboV8S]

Got the end plate off and it all looks very good condition inside so that's probably why not many rebuilds? over 100k miles on this one. Still going to strip and fit all new bearings & seals.

[phillpot]

Good luck but personnally wouldn't mess with a "good" diff (final drive assembly to give it a more acurate name). Its the crown wheel and pinion bit, not the diff, thats needs very careful setting up or may clonk and or whine something terrible. IMHO

[LamboV8S]

Know what you mean 'if it ain't broke' but I am commited to a full rebuild and would hate to have a seal/bearing failure after a few miles and have to pull it out again.
New bearings and seals not a whole hill of beans to replace so will get them on order Monday (Timken) and call to see Mr Ford for replacement out-put shaft bearing housings (castle lugs all off, something eaten away at them) and final drive pinion locknut (L/H thread by the way)
Credit to Ford for the condition after 100k + miles.

We rebuild precision grinding machines for a living, hence the strip, clean, inspect and replace seals and rolling elements routine.