Strip paint and rust.

[R34P3R]

I've had this differential sitting in my back yard for over a year. This is what it looks like now. What's a quick way to stip it down to the metal? I've got all the parts I need to get it working again but I don't want to put it back on my truck in this condition. I thought I would get at it with some WD-40 and a wire brush on an electric drill... but that's taking forever. I also plan on coating it with this undercoating spray that I bought. What do yall think? Is it a good idea or is there something else out there better to coat it with?

[patriot]

Have it abrasive blasted.

[R34P3R]

Like sand blasted? Sounds expensive.

[patriot]

Not really. Look up soda blasting in your area. Not expensive at all. Gets you to bare metal. Then, degrease, prime, and paint as usual.

 

 

...you could even have it powder coated any color you like when they're finished stripping it.

[R34P3R]

Just spoke with someone who does sand blasting service. Says I'd have to bring in the shell without any components because it's nearly impossible to sandblast it without having the sand get inside. I don't plan on removing any interior parts. Thanks patriot but I'm going to need other options before I give into sandblasting :/

[R34P3R]

Awesome! I'll look that up right now.

[Nanotech Environmental]

Just spoke with someone who does sand blasting service. Says I'd have to bring in the shell without any components because it's nearly impossible to sandblast it without having the sand get inside. I don't plan on removing any interior parts. Thanks patriot but I'm going to need other options before I give into sandblasting :/

Just wrap the end of the pinion with a bunch of layers of duct tape and tell the guy doing the blasting to stay a few inches away from the tape. Also tell him to not blast inside the brakes & only do surfaces that will be exposed when the axle is mounted to the vehicle complete. Cover the brakes with heavy plastic sheet such as 6mil vapor barrier and tape it on good. You can get 98% of all the surfaces blasted this way and remove the final little bit around the snout of the pinion yourself.

[Btuggle88]

I would just order some frame coating, I can't remember the name of it but it's a paint you put on frames that seals it so it does rust anymore, it's sold by Eastwood.

 

http://www.eastwood.com/ew-gloss-extreme-chassis-restoration-kit-w-re.html

[R34P3R]

I tried out this heavy grit sanding paper today. Made quick progress. The sanding kit cost me about $8.00 at The Home Depot. I did all this with only one sanding disk.

 

Thanks for all the help guys. I'll keep updating.