Please help:

I have a 96 Discovery, 4.0, AT, NAS.

While traveling down the highway at 25 MPH I heard and unsettling noise from
the rear. I immediately hit the brakes and threw the car in neutral as the
diff made a LOUD clunk. I put the car back in drive and heard some grinding.
Not good.

Actuated the diff lock and limped home. I did not hear any more grinding for
the rest of the ride.

I was able to get the diff off the car and low an behold the planetary gears
took a crap. After a complete inspection...

The ring appears to be in good shape, no missing or mangled teeth. The
pinion on the other hand and 5 chipped teeth, not too bad just a little at
the top where it makes contact on the inside of the ring. Again... the ring
is in good shape no teeth missing.

Questions:

Should I replace the pinion? I can see if it was worse, but... I don't want
to be in this predicament later.

Locker, LSD or stock? I am a moderate off roader and it only makes sense to
upgrade to a locker at this point. I am to understand that the Detroit
locker is far stronger than stock. I have a LSD in the front already with no
problems.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Jack Kerouac wrote:

> Should I replace the pinion? I can see if it was worse, but... I don't want
> to be in this predicament later.
I wouldn't hesitate to replace all the gears and
bearings in the case. The difference in price is small
compared to the labor cost. Besides, how will you feel
if you saved $50 on a part, only to get stranded on the
trail.

>
> Locker, LSD or stock? I am a moderate off roader and it only makes sense to
> upgrade to a locker at this point. I am to understand that the Detroit
> locker is far stronger than stock. I have a LSD in the front already with no
> problems.

If you're a "moderate" off roader, you probably
don't need that little bit of extra you from a locker
over an LSD.
But if you live where it snows, you'll hate that
locker on the street.

--
..boB
1997 HD FXDWG - Turbocharged!
2001 Dodge Dakota QC 5.9/4x4/3.92
1966 Mustang Coupe - Daily Driver
1966 FFR Cobra - Ongoing project

I would be very weary of lockers on a disco. I don't say this on the basis
of any first hand experience, but just a suspicion that you would start
breaking half shafts in a big way if you went this route. I know this is
certainly the case on Range Rovers.

I think the substantially stronger Salisbury diff that is fitted to the
defender is better able to cope with a locker, but the disco and rangie have
a lighter duty unit fitted.

Regards
Stephen