Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Got my 1988 HJ75 ute back from the garage today after it's normal 6mth service and they reckon the rear diff is just about shagged and the front drive shaft is in need of replacing.

I have done some searching on here and google and found some talk that the 60 and 80 series diff centres will fit into the rear of my ute, can anyone confirm this? If so, would it be worth finding a second hand diff and putting that in or getting mine reconditioned. I know I won't have much of an idea to the condition of the second hand diff but surely it would be much cheaper then a reconditioned one or a brand new one. If I can find a second hand one with an auto locker that would be great to.

And with the drive shaft, does anyone know what other drive shafts would fit in the front. I was quoted nearly $500 for one and as it is only used when I go 4bying which isn't often, I'm going to look at getting a second hand one from the wreckers.

Thanks in advance.

Well what's wrong with the tailshaft? They don't all of a sudden 'need replacing'.

I had my rear one straightened, strengthened and new universal joints for between $350 and $400.

My front one is shaped like a banana and I'm pretty sure one of the uni's has had it too but it's not high on the priority list because as you say, it's not used much.

i had my rear shaft replaced with a newer and stronger 1 that roclea truck exhaust and driveline, cost me 450 and front they said it would only cost 400

Yeah I've decided that the drive shaft isn't an urgent item to replace. The amount it moves isn't that much of a worry and there is still enough grip in the splines that it will last the odd 4by trip every now and again.