Hello there ...
>
> I am guessing somebody out there knows way more than I do about Jeeps,
> and would appreciate any advice/suggestions:
>
> Have a 1997 TJ with about 42,000 miles on it. Had fluid leak around
> rear differential, and some clanking/vibration problems. Took it to
> the dealer, and they said they opened rear dif cover and found metal
> chunks,shavings. Differential ring/pinion is shot, they said. Parts,
> according to them, are $2,300 to replace all and probably $400 in
> labor. If needs new axles, that will be another $800 or so. With tax,
> it could hit $4,000, which seems somewhat absurd.
>
> I have little doubt that there is huge mark-up at the dealership. The
> Jeep is no longer under warranty so there is no reason not to take it
> somewhere else. What kind of *fair* price should I anticipate for this
> work? I have changed out stuff on the jeep (springs, etc.), but am not
> this handy, so doing it myself is not really an option.
>
> I am also at a loss as to the failure, as I stay up on the
> maintenance, etc., and don't put as much stress on the vehicle as it > surely can stand.
>
> Should I take this opportunity to upgrade the differential? I have a
> 2" or so Teraflex lift on it, and 31.5 tires right now. I do not do as
> much off-roading as I would like.
>
> Thank you much,
>
> dave