[SSDanny]

Noticed my diff is starting to make a rather bad clunking noise, its not on a consistent basis, but usually happens on turns. Axles and bushings are all good. Flushed the diff fluid, and definitely some metal shavings.

Anyone gone with rebuilding the diff & if so, what kind of rebuild kit did you go with? Or should I just get a used diff from a junked car? (Planning on selling the vehicle in a couple of months, so not too worried for longevity). M6 and A8 diffs the same? Any advice or experience would be really appreciated.

[SSDan]

I have no idea if there is a rebuild kit out there. If you go the used route you’ll need one from a m6 car. The gear ratios are significantly different between manual and auto.

[SSDanny]

I understand that the i4/v6 cars have different gear ratios on their m6 transmissions, but are they compatible with an SS m6? I'm looking for the best budget option at the moment.

[dmcmahan60]

There are no rebuild options for these rear diff's. Something in the carrier can not be serviced. You can find one from an auto salvage yard or buy new. I can tell you how much a new one with 1 new axel cost plus labor. I did not want to take a chance of buying a used one and it possibly being on the way out. Then I would have been out of almost 1k and looking for another one.

[ember1205]

How many miles? Is everything tight (there were some issues with some cars where bolts were not tightened correctly)? Have you taken it to an independent mechanic that understands differentials specifically for a diagnosis?

Not saying there isn't a major issue with yours, just wondering if you're jumping to replacement without actually knowing whether it's a fixable problem or not...

[SSDan]

Originally Posted by SSDanny

I understand that the i4/v6 cars have different gear ratios on their m6 transmissions, but are they compatible with an SS m6? I'm looking for the best budget option at the moment.

The rear gear ratio for your car is 3.73. If you put a different gear ratio in, you will need a tune change to get the speedo right. Also, the shift points will be different. IMO - the only used diff I would put in the car would be from a SS M6. I'm with others in that a professional diagnosis would be a good first step.
Best wishes for a good outcome.

[m6-lt1]

I know you’re trying to save money but I wouldn’t buy one out of a 4 cylinder/6 cylinder car. Car will be slower if you do as their m6 diff ratio is less than 3.73. Your speedometer will also be off and I’m sure those diffs are less stout. I also doubt you’d be saving more than a couple hundred by buying a used m6 v6 diff versus a used m6 SS diff.

[Bumbleboy92]

https://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=584316

The chart shows the difference between the diffs. I4/v6 M6 diffs are 3.27 with LSD (no cooling lines) while the SS M6 diff is 3.73 with LSD and coolant lines

[haggler]

Did you use OEM fluid? I would flush the fluid again before I spent $ to install a new diff. You might be able to sell it without doing all that, try selling to carvana, vroom, or shift.

[dmcmahan60]

If there is a lot of metal shavings and or material when you change the fluid, trust me it is on its way out. Put your car on as lift and check the right to left play on both of your axels. Mine was the drivers side of the diff that went bad. Then it started getting noisy until it popped one day and was very noisy every time you let of the throttle. Good luck.

[SSDanny]

Hello everyone. Both axles have been replaced with OEM axles. The noise is makes is a weird popping noise that clunks every so often. The diff fluid came out muddy and with metal shavings, not clumps, but definitely on its way out. I had swapped the OEM fluid out years ago with royal purple fluid. Im going to try and just refill it with more diff fluid first and see if the noise disappears, but if not, i’ll replace it with a used M6! Thank you all for the help.

[SSDanny]

Originally Posted by dmcmahan60

If there is a lot of metal shavings and or material when you change the fluid, trust me it is on its way out. Put your car on as lift and check the right to left play on both of your axels. Mine was the drivers side of the diff that went bad. Then it started getting noisy until it popped one day and was very noisy every time you let of the throttle. Good luck.

What kind of noise was it? Was it a constant humming noise or random thuds?

[CalgaryZL1]

Originally Posted by SSDanny

Hello everyone. Both axles have been replaced with OEM axles. The noise is makes is a weird popping noise that clunks every so often. The diff fluid came out muddy and with metal shavings, not clumps, but definitely on its way out. I had swapped the OEM fluid out years ago with royal purple fluid. Im going to try and just refill it with more diff fluid first and see if the noise disappears, but if not, i’ll replace it with a used M6! Thank you all for the help.

Both axles have been replaced should be a indicator for future issues, you have to realize what sends power to them axles in the first place.

[SSDanny]

Originally Posted by CalgaryZL1

Both axles have been replaced should be a indicator for future issues, you have to realize what sends power to them axles in the first place.

Exactly. Thats why I flushed the diff fluid next, and thats what I’m figuring is the problem because of the metal shavings. Taking it off today and having a buddy of mine that deals with drivetrain parts have a look at it. The 2 piece driveshaft looks fine, no unnecessary play there.