Best Automotive Replacement Differential Assembly Kits in 2022

Last update: January 12, 2023

Dorman HELP! 65293 Differential Plug Review:


NAPA and other places were unable to locate any. I went to Amazon, typed in the manufacturer component number, and it appeared. Numerous Mopars, trucks, vehicles, you name it, suit this plug. Mine was for a 1977 Plymouth that had been pieced back together using glue. It is the exact same component and fits my 1989 Dodge Diplomat as well. Dorman produces a variety of parts for vintage autos that are now unavailable. The price of "one" plug on another website was $20. Here, depending on the part number, it is $3 or $3 for $10.



Dorman HELP! 81048 Differential Shaft Lock Bolt Review:


Due to clearances in the differential, the differential shaft lock bolt—which is utilized in many internal differentials (Ford 8.8, GM 10 bolt, 12 bolt, etc.)—is under a lot of back-and-forth stress. The bolt will eventually become worn out and break as a result of repeated cycling, usually where the last thread transitions to the straight shank. If the bolt breaks, you frequently require a bolt removal kit to extract it (also available on Amazon).This bolt seems to be well-made and of decent quality. The broken bolt was quickly and quietly replaced. I would advise anyone working on a differential who has to remove the differential shaft to do so.



USA Standard Gear SL D30-27 differential-27 axles Spartan Locker for Dana 30 Differential 27 Spline Review:


The instructions are useless, as everyone has already said.The order is as follows: inner spider gear, bushing, c-clip for the axle, and outer spider gear (driver's side).Then, on the passenger side, do as the driver did, but omit the C clip. Insert the middle pin after installing the spider gears and bushing. Once you can see the cutout between the spider gears, spin the locker. Here, attach the passenger c-clip. It will require some work to get the axle to match up with the aperture so the spline cutout for the clip can be inserted and removed.Make sure your center pin bolt is secured using loctite.This article is provided purely for informational purposes. I take no responsibility for the use of this component or the installation of it in your vehicle.



Yukon ZKGM8.5 Rear Master Overhaul Kit for GM 8.5" Differential Review:


I don't know why this kit is so cheap. It makes use of high-quality Koyo bearings from the US and Japan. The kit was not packaged in its original box, which is the only explanation I can think of for its low price. The original box end flap, however, displaying the USA Standard Gear P/N and description, was also included by the seller. Score!Just realized the "YK" kit is almost 4 times more expensive than this "ZK" kit, probably because it makes use of Timken bearings. It doesn't make sense to me how Timkens, which can be produced outside of the US, should be considerably superior to KOYOs created in the US or Japan. Additionally, I've read that KOYOs are employed in a variety of Japanese cars and trucks. Could someone please educate me?



Yukon Gear YDGGM8.5-3-30-1 GM 8.5"/8.6" - 30 Spline Axle Dura Grip Slip Positraction Review:


My outdated Chevy single-pull half-ton pickup was completely transformed by this reduced slip. It performs admirably in snow, rain, and ice. I spent almost five hours installing the item. It only took that long because I had to drill out one of the broken ring bolts and then locate an exact replacement. What a hassle! I probably would have needed two hours. You'll be delighted with the fit and finish when you take it out of the box; it's truly lovely. I know that's something a gearhead would say, but it's true. It's simple peasy because the ring and pinion gears aren't changed, they don't need to be re-shimmed, and the "C" clips that came with it fit well. This rear end has been in my truck for about a year, and I couldn't be happier.I ought to really qualify that completion time. If you just so happen to be replacing your suspension anyhow, that alone will save you the better part of an hour because I already had the brakes disassembled. It is reasonable to assume that, if all goes well, it will take four hours.



USA Standard Gear (ZK C9.25-R-B) Master Overhaul Kit for Chrysler 9.25 Rear Differential Review:


This is a set of bearings and races for my 2005 Ram 1500's 9.25-inch rear end. It originally came with axle seals and bearings, but I've driven 600 miles on it without experiencing any problems.



USA Standard Gear (ZIKGM8.6-S-30V2) Spider Gear Set for GM 8.6 Differential Review:


I'm not sure how to grade this product because I haven't used it, but I gave it five stars because there's nothing I can fault it for.I believed I had done sufficient study and thoroughly examined everything, but when I opened up my differential, I was surprised by a little detail and wanted to attempt to prevent someone else from making the same error. Despite Amazon's claims, this did not fit my 2005 Chevy Silverado Z71 4x4 crew cab. The GM Eaton G80 Locker differential that was installed in my truck is the cause. All of my research suggested that I could swap out the open carrier's spider gears, but this is not the case. This differential cannot be repaired, and these spider gears will not function for you if you own an Eaton G80.



USA Standard Gear ZK F8.8 Ford 8.8" Differential Master Overhaul Kit Review:


Even only for the shims, this package is worthwhile. They have two sets of thicker shins that overlap each other's inner diameter, which is a really brilliant design feature. Then, you can sandwich a lot of tiny.006" shims in between the larger ones. By doing this, you prevent the delicate shims from being harmed when you hammer them in. In only three assembly, I was able to install a brand-new set of gears and get ideal carrier preload. Very content!The pinion seal is of the same high caliber as those sold by Yukon. I didn't utilize the accompanying pinion nut because it is the distorted oval type rather than the dry Loctite variety.The only thing I would like is a choice of Timken bearings. You would need to either rub off the coating or force it on in some other way because the provided Koyo front pinion bearing does not fit the Ford Motorsport pinion. The M88048 Timken version fits perfectly. Part number M88048-N is the Koyo bearing that is included. Although I'm not sure if there's a difference, I would suggest using the Timken front pinion bearing if you're repairing the axle in situ.Both axle bearings and axle seals are NOT included in this set.