I've picked up used 5.29 and 4.88 open 3rds for anywhere from $250-$350 depending on condition and vehicle. I made sure to find something that was ready to drop in, e.g. not needing to swap in new bearings or anything. Factory 4.88 3rds are great, but I don't think a locker is available for them (I could be wrong). The most desireable 3rd's are the high pinion fronts from Land Cruisers. They are great for lifted trucks because they reduce driveline angles. Note that these normally sell for a premium, sell fast, and can be hard to find.

The question is are you guys finding these cheap and or reasonable priced thirds in the Salem-Portland,Or area where there is no salt on the roads and cars last forever in junk yards? Last time I called around about a third locally I got prices in excess of $500. Checking car-parts.com is finding $350-450 and there are only 2 within 100 miles the others are 180+ miles away @$350+ a piece + shipping sucks. If some one in my area is going to spend $400 on a used diff it seems like a waste to me.

You figure 2 RP kits w/Master install kits is $400 + 2 Solid collars for $40 ($20 ea) + Setup @300 and your right near $375 per diff with all brand new parts. I see no reason to pick through a junk yard if the price is the same. I have set up many diffs for other people and I have never had any problems.

Edit...I guess if you could find them out of state for $100-150 a piece and have them shipped then it would be worth it but there goes any chance of warranty service if you have a problem.

Well I emailed a guy that has 4:8*8's on the other forum and haven't heard back from him but he is looking to sell it and that would nice if its possible.

Rudi

4.88's for sale here

Edit: Nevermind; he just sold them over on Pirate; keep the rest of the freight info tho'!

You can get a hold of www.lynden.com and have them set up an expedite if interested. I use them quite often here. Their farthest East dock in in the Dallas area.

Frank said he's been a little busy lately so hopefully he'll get back to you soon. He's on this forum too.

I just did both my diffs and got the gears for $300. I paid a local shop (offraod race shop) $100 each diff to install the new gears. I pulled the diffs and reinstalled myself and everything is awesome. So it works out to about $500 for both, not including my time and new seals. Good thing is now I know how to do it and if something breaks on the trail I can fix it, or at least diagnose and do something to get the truck back on the road.