A rear end question for any 4106 experts out there....

[bwze]

I talked with my local heavy equipment mechanic this morning, who I trust emphatically, and he said, and I quote..."Run it!". With the tire sizes the same, but considering small differences in the tire OD, there will be minimal rotational movement of the pinions about the spider. Only while turning the bus will they rotate more than normal since this is an open differential. Also, with the gear lube low and evidence to support only one washer being damaged, it is more likely that a flush and refill will do it a world of good. With that being said and the fact that pulling and rebuilding will be a major PITA, I'm opting to go that route and recheck it at a later date.

Oh yeah, the material is soft. Very soft. So soft that it doesn't register on a Rockwell hardness tester. It could have been, and most likely was, originally case hardened or nitrided, but it ain't no more. I'm asssuming that the lack of a proper level of lubricant has led to overheating thus removing the level of hardness bestowed upon it.  Also, my borescope is not available.....so I'll pass on that also. Thanks for the suggestions thus far though....

[Fred Mc]

I'm certainly no expert but had a similar situation. When I took off the oil pan to seal it up better I found a small piece of metal that looked like it might be a gear tooth. So I went to the local DD dealer with piece in hand.They had an 8/71 apart and he showed me where it probably came from. The inevitable question was "would it hurt. how long till it failed etc" and the expected answers "could fail in a mile or last forever". So I took the trans off and it was a tooth off one of the cam gears. Not expensive as I got the gears off a wreck for $25 bucks each.BUT, the problem is every time you drive it you will wonder when it will let go. Or every strange noise will drive you crazy. However, if you can scope it that might put your mind at ease.

Good luck

Fred

[travlinman]

My next project is to replace my differential oil. Hope I do not find any mystery parts! What weight and how much for the 4106?

Thanks

TM

[bwze]

I used Mobil 85W140.....

[travlinman]

Billy,

Any idea on how much it takes??

Thanks

TM

[bwze]

Mine took around 2 1/2 gallons.

[travlinman]

Awesome Thanks!!! What is the best way to purchase that much gear oil? Perhaps in bulk or by the gallon???

TM

[chev49]

some places sell 2 gallon plastic gear oil containers, such as the farm store. i normally buy 5 gallon cans for my luber, but in your case i would prob buy 2 two galloners... cause u dont use it all the time.