Tools, Parts and Skills required to replace the Rear Axel Planetary Gears?
 

I have a 2000 Siverado that just about went kaput last night. Took the cover off of the rear axle expecting to find a bad ring gear. Unfortunately that wasn't the case. With a glimpse inside the opening of the "planetary assembly?" i see the little gears in there are almost completely destroyed.

I've done a few engine rebuilds (bare block on up) but have never wandered into the inner workings of the rear axle.

I guess my questions are, can this be done under the ol' tree? Are the little gears in there replaceable by themselves, or do i have to buy the entire planetary assemble, or the entire rear axle?

Thanks for any advice or insight you might have about this, i just really can't afford the $1250 they want for a dismantler yard rear axle around here.

First things first...buy a good repair manual and read up. Then decide if you want to tackle the adventure.

The planetary gears and the cross pin can be purchased separately and replacing them is not that difficult, however, you would also need to inspect the carrier and axle splines for any damage.

spider gears are the easiest thing to do inside the rear end, just don't break the pin bolt off! it can usually be done without taking the carrier out. don't cheap out on spider gears either, the more you pay the longer they last

Are you talking about the 4 smaller gears that are grouped together? If so those are the spider gears, planetary gears are in the transmission. The spider gears are very easy to do . Jack the rear up so the rear tires are off the ground with the truck in neutral. The rotate the pinion (driveshaft) around until you see the 5/16 bolt/pin going horizontally through the metal rod going between the spiders. Remove it, it is recommend that you use a 6 point wrench or socket because sometimes it is very tight and may round off with a 12 point. Now slide the metal bar out from the center you may need to turn the drive shaft to get it all the way out of the diff housing. Now roll the spiders out and roll them back in you may need to turn the wheels. It can be tricky and frustrating to get them back in lined up however with patience it can be done.