OK....so I swapped out my rear axle for a 4.10-posi from an SS..and so started the problem. Since I have a 4x4, it means I need to swap the front diff too. You think that would be a simple project....nope. Without having removed a part yet...here is where my apparent issues start....
As long as I'm changing a diff, needed to rebuild it, so all new thrust washers, bearings and seals are in it, so I don't have leaks or other problems and have to do it again. Can I buy standard parts ..nope, had to get Timken. Took the diff apart, and do you think I can just rebuild it and put it back together...haha...nope again. Had to beadblast it and clearcoat it for protection. The diff being done, of course I have to replace the disconnect. Same deal as the diff...but scored new gears too from American Powertrain.... Beadblasted and cleared as well...and of course added a zerk. Afraid I'll break something taking the old parts out...picked up a new oil pan. It's getting the clearcoat treatment as well. New front driveshaft...new universals painted and cleared? You bet. Soooo....As long as I'm digging all that apart, might as well change the wheel bearings. Timken...clearcoated...check. New axles from Detroit axles? You bet. Well....all that work and I don't touch ball joints? You jest. New Mevotech TTX all around. Do I want to screw around with taking the parts off, rebuilding them, and reintstall? No. Picked up used a-arms and knuckles from a yard in California so they were rust free. Stll...can't just install them as-is, so they were beadblasted and painted. What do you think happened next? You bet....those bushings maybe are bad???...of course...gotta change them. Stock replacement? No. Prothane? Yes. For the final touch...Since I'm going to drop the pan to change the diff (I know...but it's not that tough), that means I need to drop the steering rack. You know where this story ends right...? Upgrading to a cleaned/painted rack from an SS to get the quicker steering.
So I just can't NOT put new, upgraded, cleaned and painted parts on anything I touch. It's a sickness, obviously. Where does this ever end???
Pics of the diseases symptoms attached. Enjoy