Rear diff rebuild on Feroza?

[daRangie]

G'day guys

I've only had my '93 Feroza II for 6 months and am at a cross roads, as I didn't pay attention to the buying tips in the FAQ. The overall running of the car is fine, but the suspension and rear diff require attention.

Below is a quote for what is supposedly required, excluding what I consider the main problem, the rear diff. It makes a clunk with 1st 2nd gear changes or sudden backing off etc. From what I have read on here it would be backlash, as the uni joints have been deemed okay, but what do you guys think? When the mechanic had the rear brakes off he noticed that the axles could pull in and out slightly, and his diagnosis... "Diff's stuffed..." That helps! Is it a case of adding shims to the diff? There is no other noise from the diff, just the clunk.

So my main question is, how much would it cost to repair/rebuild the diff, or should I just offload the car and get an old diesel ute?

Parts & Labour
Rod End L/H in $253.00
L/H out $120.00
R/H in $253.00
R/H out $120.00
Pitman arm $305.00
Steering Arm $278.00
Timing Belt $154.00
Rear Shoes $ 46.00 Done
Wheel Cylinders $100.00 Done
Drums Machined $ 40.00 Done
Shocks $157.00
Labour $577.50

Does this look reasonable as far as quotes go? I am wondering if the Idler Arm bushes would be the only problem with the 'Steering Arm', so that should be cheaper?

Is there a light that comes on the dash when the timing belt is due? Its done 220kkm, and I'm not sure if the previous owner had it done.

Thank you for any assistance.

Cheers
Randal

[MightyMouse]

Lots of questions....

There is no timing Belt light...

Front suspension bits are expensive to buy, the idler arm is about what I
have been quoted - are you certain its all stuffed ? Idlers are common
problems and the bushes do squash out.. Aftermarket is the way to go
, I think mine came from Pedders.

The timing belt is bizarre, my buy price is under $20 so $154 is crazy...

And as for the diff - get a second hand one. If you can't find a goodie,
PM me - but I would be surprised if you can't find one. A bit of a clunk
is not that abnormal - it just depends how much......

[daRangie]

Thanks for your reply, MightyMouse!

The clunk is just irritating more than anything. It can be minimised/negated with smooth gear changes and rolling off the throttle. Any idea what a diff would go for please?

I will look into the pricing of the timing belt a tad more, me thinks.

I'm sure you are correct with the idler bush. Being mechanically inept, I rely on other people and forums to discover whats wrong with my cars...

Thanks
Randal

[MightyMouse]

The Bosch part number for the Feroza belt is BT182.

My old diff is at Total Traction Drivelines ( Melbourne ), it was OK when it came out ( a tiny clunk... ) so if your desperate call Matt.

Changing the idler bushes is dead simple... but before you do get someone
to turn the steering whilst you watch the idler.

If you see the arm moving "verticallly" on the mounting bolt by
more than a few mm then it could be the bushes.

however idlers do chew out the ball joints.....

[daRangie]

Thanx again, MightyMouse. Very much appreciated.

Cheers
Randal

[murcod]

The timing belt price could be for a "kit" including a new tensioner.

Otherwise around $55 for a genuine belt is the norm.