97 or 98 Yamaha 350 4x4 big bear

[Sam Shelley]

One bolt is blocked by where the bottom of the shock bolts up.. thinking I'll have to remove the swing arm, but I'll have to do it eventually anyway 

Edited March 29, 2019 by Sam Shelley

[Frank Angerano]

Yep no choice.   You keep trying that drain plug and it will crack so you have to do what you have to do.  

[Sam Shelley]

I've almost got it out, easier then it looks 

[Frank Angerano]

That’s great ! Take some pics for the reassemble process.  

[Sam Shelley]

How do I get the axle out?

[Frank Angerano]

The differential has to come off. There is a clip holding the axle.  It’s a clip with two holes at the end. A payor of pointy needle nose can spread the clip apart.  They have a tool for it also. 

[Sam Shelley]

How does the diff come off before the axle? I've got the 4 bolts off the side and the 4 bolts off the front now it seems the only thing holding it is the axle 

[Sam Shelley]

Do the 4 studs come out?

[Frank Angerano]

i can explain it but this will show you exactly  

 

[Sam Shelley]

That makes it so much easier, thank you. I was trying the wrong side and thinking something completely different. 

[Frank Angerano]

That’s great. Put up some pics when you can I’m curious to see what everything looks like and the condition it’s all in.  

[Sam Shelley]

The axle and the inside of the diff are stripped to nothing just about. 

[Frank Angerano]

Holy sh**! 

[Sam Shelley]

Can these be rebuilt? I can't even find a used one for a 97 online 

[Frank Angerano]

No way.  Are the splines in the diff shot as well?

[Sam Shelley]

Pretty sure the very middle is at least the outsides might be okay 

[Sam Shelley]

Could I fit a 99 or a 2000 year diff on this?

[Frank Angerano]

I would think yes. But!! Whenever a decade passes into the next there may be a change. You have to look up part numbers unfortunately to be sure. 

[Sam Shelley]

Any good way you know of doing that? A specific website that could tell me or how do I go about googling it? I found a 99 350 diff for just under 200, it looks the same anyway. I know anything under 96 or 95 wont work because the shaft coming from the diff to the driveshaft is different. Dont know about 2000 but 99 looks the same from what I can tell 

[Frank Angerano]

You have to check the part number for your year and look up the part number for that year and see if they match.  

[wanrep]

14 hours ago, Sam Shelley said:

Any good way you know of doing that? A specific website that could tell me or how do I go about googling it? I found a 99 350 diff for just under 200, it looks the same anyway. I know anything under 96 or 95 wont work because the shaft coming from the diff to the driveshaft is different. Dont know about 2000 but 99 looks the same from what I can tell 

I use Partzilla.com  Find the part you're looking for.  Click on the part number and the page for that part will have all the different models that used that part.  There were several big bears, wolverines & kodiaks that used that particular rear diff.  Not so many on the axle.

Buying a used diff. & axle is going to be your cheapest route.  Trying to rebuild it will cost you 2-3 times more.

[Sam Shelley]

Awesome thank you!

[Frank Angerano]

The axle itself is not bad as far as cost.  The diff is a pricier part however.   

[Sam Shelley]

I could only find the front diff on that website, I dont imagine they're the same so I'm a little confused. But it did have a list of several models and years of similar parts so that makes it easier 

[Frank Angerano]

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F232887280184

 

Nott sure if this fits your bike but worth a shot to compare. 

[Sam Shelley]

Sadly mine isn't irs 

[Frank Angerano]

Ok well I have a guy in PA he has a ton of sh**. I am going to shoot him an email see what he has 

He ships everywhere.

[Sam Shelley]

That would be awesome I found a list of ATV'S that also use the same rear diff

[Frank Angerano]

Ok great so you have options! Something will turn up.  

[Sam Shelley]

I found a few on Ebay for around 150 or 180 but they all need the bearing and seal replaced, idk what kind of job that is or how it's down