[Jack jr]

G'day
I have read a few times on here that when loaded up for touring sierra rear diff housings crack how can this be fixed? could you brace the diff?
cheers Jack.

[Gwagensteve]

Yes, you can brace the housing. There are commercial kits available (low range offroad, from memory) but if you have the skills to weld a brace on without warping the housing you have the skills to make a brace and save the postage from the US.

The common failure point is the circ weld between the diff pumpkin and the axle tube closer to the centreline of the car. In heavy cars with heavy wheels and tyres and axle wrap, I have seen failure around the diff cover weld.

The big problem with installing anything on the housing is warping. It WILL warp. As Sierras run semifloating axles, this means wheel bearing and seal life, along with brake performance is effected when the housing isn't straight. Sierra axle tubes are thin (<3.0mm)

Unless you're sufficiently interested to setup your own jigs, means of measuring straightness etc, it might be best to have a brace installed by an axle specialist who will already have this stuff.

[Jack jr]

Ok thanks gwagensteve if under gvm is it still likely thay will crack.
Cheers Jack

[Gwagensteve]

Depends on use and tyre size. Touring use is what seems to do it - corrugations when laden. You should be ok under GVM with a sensible tyre and wheel.

[MrRocky]

You worry to much, just drive it

[303zuke]

MrRocky wrote:

You worry to much, just drive it

^ X2

[303zuke]

Jack jr wrote:

G'day
I have read a few times on here that when loaded up for touring sierra rear diff housings crack......
cheers Jack.

Where exactly have you read this a few times? Got links?

I would actually say it is quite a rare occurrence except in Sierras that are used for jumping sand dunes.

It's Vitara front diff housings that are known to crack, Sierras kept within GVM are fairly stout.

[Gwagensteve]

I’ve seen/repaired 4

[suzukitas]

As per above comments just drive it Jack, if it cracks come see me I have rear housings galore you can have for nix.

As per 303zuke comments about vitara fronts I will throw a post up about that one in next few days.