Calling all ring experts

[dhbfaster]

So, took the ring gear out to get a look at it today. Pics attached. The "pitting" is why the guy at the shop said I should replace it. On the west coat differentials website failure analysis page, it looks like it might be from over heating. (Except that it's not this way all around it...which leads me to think it's just from corrosion.) Anyway...it just doesn't look that bad to me (and I haven't found a better replacement yet.) Any opinions?

[falcon cobra]

That don't look bad. if it don't howl just drive it. when a car sits for a long time in the cold, part of the ring is not in the oil and that leads to rust or pitting...jh

[dhbfaster]

Really appreciate your input and I think I'm going with it on the ring and pinion-especially since nobody sells a replacement(!). Now what about these bearings? (pics attached.)
They look worse than the ring to me... and this whole thing is on the bench at this point, there is the risk I could screw it up, but I figure I"m this deep I might as well get through it and replace them and the pinion seal was leaking like crazy so I have to get into that end anyway to replace the seal. Thoughts? I'd love for someone to tell me I'm crazy- save my money, but I don't ever want to take this thing out again. 50 years, 1000 miles/year is all i want out of it...all input most appreciated.

[Jeff W]

I would keep the ring set and replace the bearing and race.

Consider the axle bearings as long as it's all out and easy to get at.

[Luva65wagon]

You're getting far more noise from those that one bearing alone than you would from the ring gear (of what I've seen anyway).

Bearings and seals are readily available, I'm sure, so for sure do all the bearings and seals and it'll last you a long time. Those 7.25" rear-ends show up a lot used, so chances are you'll find a ring gear in the future if it's ever an issue.

[dhbfaster]

Thanks everyone. Al the other bearings were about like that one. I bought the full set of bearings and seals today. The guy at west coast differentials (Ed) was very helpful (and actually replied to emails) and he gave confident advice and said the same thing you guys said. The total price was the best too. Www.differentials.com Now I just need time to get it done.