Rusty elocker purchase?

[68ChargerJMP]

Guys,

I found an Elocker out of a 96 Limited, so I'm assuming its a 4.30. I can get the whole thing drum to drum for $200. Problem is, it's rusty. It's beyond surface rust, I just don't know how bad. It may clean up, but I've never dug into one enough to know how much material there is to work with. I'm gonna try to get a pic and post it to see what yall think. But until then, are there any particular areas of concern I could maybe poke with a knife before I buy it. Thanks.

 

[zoombyu86]

I had the same issue. My main concern is the elockr actuator. The housing on mine was rusted through and I spent 4 months hunting one down

 

[3bears]

I had the same issue. My main concern is the elockr actuator. The housing on mine was rusted through and I spent 4 months hunting one down

that would be one of my concerns as well, and if real rusty, the condition of all the attaching points of the entire rear diff
you can get actuator rebuild kits, but they wont come with the housing, just orings and grease
otherwise, the main portion is pretty stout and should be ok, just clean up and paint

 

[Scramble]

Guys,

I found an Elocker out of a 96 Limited, so I'm assuming its a 4.30. I can get the whole thing drum to drum for $200. Problem is, it's rusty. It's beyond surface rust, I just don't know how bad. It may clean up, but I've never dug into one enough to know how much material there is to work with. I'm gonna try to get a pic and post it to see what yall think. But until then, are there any particular areas of concern I could maybe poke with a knife before I buy it. Thanks.

Post some pics, the thinnest spot is on the back of axle housing where the fill plug is. That's the area I'd be concerned about.

 

[Mark_BC]

Post some pics, the thinnest spot is on the back of axle housing where the fill plug is. That's the area I'd be concerned about.

I second this. That metal has some metallurgical problems and the rust may not look too deep but it just keeps going and going. You may need to weld on a new plate.

 

[68ChargerJMP]

Post some pics, the thinnest spot is on the back of axle housing where the fill plug is. That's the area I'd be concerned about.

Thanks guys...I will probably regret it, but I think I'm gonna pass on it.

 

[Scramble]

Thanks guys...I will probably regret it, but I think I'm gonna pass on it.

The gears & axles are worth more than $200 & they should be fine. Get it!

 

[octanejunkie]

The gears & axles are worth more than $200 & they should be fine. Get it!

I would love the 4.3 gears

 

[Dropzone]

Thanks guys...I will probably regret it, but I think I'm gonna pass on it.

you will regret it. You can fix the acuator if it sticks. You can easily mount an elocker diff in a non e-locker housing with some minor work.
buy it, if it becomes too much of a project flip it.

 

[zoombyu86]

I say get it for $200, if not lower. ive seen 3rd members sell for 200+. I cleaned up my 3rd member and had the housing blasted and coated by a buddy for $60 and luckily found someone selling JUST the actuator for $60 on car-part.com. It took me 4 months but hey...

I also paid WAY too much Haha. On car-part you can find whole axles for $400.