Diff Is Fubar'd

[33driver]

Hey all,

Had my mechanic mate over on sunday doing some work on the car and sussing out what needs doing. The diff is stuffed pretty much stuffed, excessive backlash and when you spin 1 wheel the other one doesn't even move lol.

Annoyingly, I wish I could say I broke the diff, but alas, previous owner was unkind to her. So what are my options? I've just bought a house so cash is on the tight side at the moment, so I need to go the cheapest route. That said, I don't want something that is going to break a month later.

Can any give me rough costs on:

Full diff rebuild (assuming crown and pinion are beyond repair and require replacing).

or

Swap out say a Kazz center, drop new bearings, pinion and crown in and be done with it

What sort of labour is involved? I haven't pulled down a diff before but have no real problem trying with my mechanic if its doable.

or

Should I just grab a 2nd hand one and repair the other one when I have more time/money?

If I grab a 2nd hand one, what am I looking for? (specific specs to a 96' Series 2 Manual? and What can I look for in terms of evidence of abuse?)

Cheers guys,I'll start doing the ring around tomorrow.

Matt