[J--A--C--K]

hey guys,

I am after some opinions.
Today i noticed that i has a small vibration in the drive line, coincidentally I was on my way home with some diff oil as i underestimated yesterday.
So not thinking much of it, I got home and drained the oil from the rear diff, all looked normal. However when i was cleaning up i noticed a rather large chunk of steel in the dirty oil which happens to be about half a ring gear tooth. bugger

So my question is, can i run it like this for the time being , it still runs quiet and its quite hard to pick the vibration, or will it get much worse very quick.
and what should i be looking at for a reasonable replacement cost. I have been quoted $1000 for a reco or $495 for a front rebuilt to suit a rear from the only place i have found with any sierra gear. apparently the fronts are still in good enough condition to not need a reco. would this be a reasonable solution ??

[jdk81]

That ring and pinion has 100 thousand km plus of easy and harsh km with an auto locker.
If it didnt have an auto locker and nursed it, you could drive it missing a partial tooth.
With an autolocker, you can pull the rear driveshaft and fwd it.

id look for a complete 3rd member, and install the auto locker if you wish.

The auto lockers are harsh on driveline stuff.
Imo autolockers aren't great in dailys that do a lot of km.

[J--A--C--K]

I agree about the locker, I had been thinking of getting it removed in favour of a spool or just open till i can get air lockers, as my car dose see alot of road ks.
I am hoping to find a complete 3rd but i need the car fixed by the 15th so if all else fails ill just have to go for any option i can.
for the time i think ill just sit it in the drive , and have to get up extra early to drop the misses at work.
thanks for the reply Jdk