how do you guys ship out your diff's?

[scobaru]

I was just curious how you guys get your diff's shipped out and it being protected. I thought of getting a tupper wear bin and ship it in that. any other ideas of something strong enough to protect the diff during shipping?

[DoriftuEvo]

Got mine like this:



Plastic bin with styrofoam and soft foam blocks all wrapped in many layers of seran wrap.
No problems.

[scobaru]

I wonder if everyone gets them shipped in plasic bins.

[LivingLegend06]

mine arrived in a plastic bin with the lid screwed on and wrapped in duct tape.

[george graves]

Walmart. $14 gray plastic bin. Add foam. Zip tie the lid after drilling 20 or so holes.

[browntown]

^^ I shipped one a couple years ago. Cost me like 90 bucks, but I did it in a rubbermaid toughmate. The crappier plastic bins will crack on you. drilled the holes with many zip ties. To pad it, I used an old patio lounge cushion.

[guitardude]

i just take mine down to a box company. They use a double wall box and ship it out. Its usually around 80 bucks with everything and no work.

[Rigmaster]

double boxed with lots of padding, AND make sure to use strong boxes (there is a difference in cardboard boxes). I use tons of tape too- basically the whole outside of the box is covered in tape when I'm done.

Never had a complaint, or a diff damaged in shipping.


For the boxes, look on the bottom of a box and you'll see some rating info. I try to use boxes that are rated for at least 90-100 lbs, the weaker boxes will break open for sure. I take a relatively small box and stick the diff in it- if it's an e30 diff, the rear cover mounting ear sticks out- I cut the corner of the box to accomodate this. Then get a bigger box, and lots of packing material- I prefer styrofoam chunks- the stuff that electronics comes in works well, just break it up a bit to fit. You want something light that does not give much. Packing peanuts can work- but I don't like them because they'll leak out of the box with the slightest break in the box. I also wrap the diff in at least 1 big plastic trash bag- usually after I wrapped it in the first box- that way if anything leaks out of it, the cardboard will help soak it up, but the plastic keeps it from leaking through the outer box. If you ship a diff or tranny or something and it leaks- most shipping companies will pull it off the truck and make you come get it- no matter where it is- since they do not want your crappy leaky package damaging other packages in their trucks.

Another variation on the plastic tote method is to wrap the diff in plastic an foam it in place using some of that spray-can insulating foam. Basically just foam the space between the wrapped diff and the plastic shipping tub and it will keep it in place nicely.

Something to keep in mind, Fedex home delivery has a max weight limit of 70 lbs, so if you're trying to save money and ship a diff to an individual via Fedex ground- ask them to provide a business address, it can be their work address, or a friends or relatives work address- it will save you a ton of $$$ versus shipping it via UPS. Last time I shipped a diff it cost ~$50 via Fedex but UPS wanted ~$70 for the same shipment.



Bret.

[rsafier]

I just single boxed it with some syro and a lot of paper fill, not issues. Have gotten one that way too. Make sure its empty and garbage bag it for good measure. Still I like the plastic container method.
Generally use FedEx even home delivery they will do it. Its generally cheaper then UPS because they are undercutting the price.

[Rigmaster]

Generally use FedEx even home delivery they will do it. Its generally cheaper then UPS because they are undercutting the price.

I can say from experience that they will refuse it if they realize it's over 70 lbs and going to a residence.

[scobaru]

I have a DHL account so I'm going to use them... there limit is higher I believe

[etxxz]

forget boxes. make your own crate. i've shipped three already. First was overdone with too much wood. Second got better and the third was basically an open crate.

Diff inside 1(or 2) black trash bags.
Buy 1 12-15ft piece of wood atleast 2" thick.
Measure and cut the bottom of the crate as a solid platform. Bolt together with 3" wood screws.
Put diff on, screw two pieces on either side to hold the diff in place.
2 Pieces in the back and front.
2 more on the top. Done.

total cost $10-20 in wood and screws (i used cement screws the third time and you can get free at places that discard pallets and what not)
Total UPS cost on 105lbs total...$130 from FL to Colorado.

Walmart. $14 gray plastic bin. Add foam. Zip tie the lid after drilling 20 or so holes.

did you ever ship a 4.10lsd to s.FL? i got one like this one time...box was shattered, good thing it was taped like a mofo and the diff is almost indestructable

[RobertK]

I can say from experience that they will refuse it if they realize it's over 70 lbs and going to a residence.

Here in Knoxville I was told the FedEx residential limit was 120lbs. I know this because I shipped an entire 5spd swap for a 635csi in a huge rubbermaid container and it was 5 pounds shy of meeting the limit.

[Rigmaster]

Here in Knoxville I was told the FedEx residential limit was 120lbs. I know this because I shipped an entire 5spd swap for a 635csi in a huge rubbermaid container and it was 5 pounds shy of meeting the limit.

Fedex Ground tariff says:

4- FedEx Home Delivery packages may not weigh more than seventy (70) pounds.



That's all I know. ;)

[rsafier]

Yeah but if you bring it in prepaid and drop it off they don't make you take it back :)