I bought a used 3rd w/ Detroit locker off a member of a national 4Runner forum. I got a great deal for it (4.88 w/ locker for $350 shipped) but when it came in, it was packaged very badly. I am concerned that there might be some damage that I cannot see; i.e. hairline fractures, or something else. I am relatively new to wheeling, and haven't ever worked in depth with a diff like this, so I'm not sure what to look for as far as damages go. I cannot see any cracks or really bad damages, but am I missing something? Should I contact this guy and ask for $$ back, or return it to him. How can I know that it wont prematurely fail after being shipped like this. Any advice is appreciated!!!

In the below pics, what you see is what you get. This is exactly how it was shipped!

Thanks!

 

don't have permission to view the pictures. Might want to try a different picture hosting service like photobucket.

 

Fixed..... thanks!

 

Hard to tell without further inspection. If you have any doubts just take it to shop that specializes in 4WD's and have them give it a quick look over.
I would call first just to ask when a good time would be and they'll be less likely to charge you if there just going to give it quick inspection and not tear it down.
The wear on the ring gear would be a concern but just from the pic it looks ok.

 

that packaging looks very suspicious, your right for wanting to get it checked out. most likely it will be fine, but if it isnt, send it back with a 'nice little note' .

 

I seriously doubt you damaged the 3rd member/diff/locker during shipping...now the other stuff it crashed into might be another story.

You should leave them negative feedback for doing a poor job packaging on said forum.