I broke a my 260 u-joint on the driver's side and I need to replace it. It also took out the ears on the inner and outer shafts. I found another d30 shaft with hub. There is some diff fluid leaking out now, is there another problem that needs to be addressed? Or will replacing shaft fix that?

 

Will a shaft with the bigger u-joint fit in the axle if the other side is still the smaller one?
I know that they don't touch or anything, but can't be too safe.

 

Yes, you can use a 260 or 297 axleshaft. Only difference is the size of the ujoint. Grab both sides of the 297's if you can as they are stronger.

The fluid loss is normal as the shaft is not in to assist the seal in retaining it. Just check the level when your done.

If that 297 shaft comes with a unit bearing check it's height carefully, they did change a few times.

 

Thanks. I drove thru some water with it broken (yeah I now understand that I am an idiot). So I think some water/mud in there and I am going to drain it out. Now, once its drained is there a good easy way to clean it out? would a rag and water work, or will that cause it to rust? Do I also need a pump thing to get new oil in there?

 

take off the diff cover, drain the fluid out, and wash the diff with spray brake clean.

As for filling it, some diff fluid bottles have a pointed tip that helps fill the diff back up. Or you could get a fluid suction hand pump thingie.

 

No, gear oil isnt that thin. brake clean will become your friend

 

So I am replacing the shaft with an whole hub and shaft. Took me less 1.5 hours to get the hub/shaft and diff cover off (first time I have ever done it). I am draining the diff and I will use some brake cleaner to completely clean it; there was no mud in there like I had thought there would be, but there is some in the tube. I put a rag on a stick and tried to clean it out, but there is still some in there.
What is the best way to get the mud out of the tube? Is it ok to leave it in there?

 

It's ok to leave in there so long as it's not excessive.

There are seals at the end of the tubes where they meet the differential to keep lube in and dirt out. If you push that rag in too far you could have mess on your hands.

 

Thanks for the reply's.
Now, how much diff fluid do I put in?

 

I fill my diffs till fluid comes out the fill hole. As to how much that is I can't remember.