DIY: Differential Breather Extension

Toy4Life · 09-25-2008, 09:35 PM

Relocating the rear differential breather is an easy and inexpensive way to help prevent costly damage to the rear differential. As air expands and contracts from temperature changes within the rear differential, the breather allows the differential to "breathe". However, with the stock location of the breather, it is possible for the differential to "inhale" water in certain situations. By relocating the breather to a higher position on the vehicle, this can be prevented.
*Perform at your own Risk*
Materials:

8ft 1/4" rubber fuel line
1 "union" (Toyota part# 9040451026)
2 small hose clamps
1 small in-line fuel filter
2-3 plastic zip ties

Tools:

14mm box/open wrench
10mm box/open wrench
1/4" socket/ratchet
8mm socket/ratchet
cordless drill w/ 1/4" drill bit
wire cutters

Loosen the breather with the 14mm wrench. Before completely removing the breather, clean the area around it to prevent any debris from entering the differential.

With the 10mm wrench, install the "union" in place of the breather. Note that the "union" will not tighten down flush with the surface of the differential housing.

With one of the hose clamps on the end of the hose, slide one end of the hose over the nipple on the "union" and tighten the clamp. (I used the 1/4" ratchet for the clamps because I tend to stab myself with screwdrivers

)

Run the hose along the e-locker cable(anchor with zip ties) over the frame rail to the fuel filler neck. Leave adequate slack in the hose above the differential to allow for suspension flex.

Using the 8mm ratchet, remove the 4 bolts that secure the plastic shield around the fuel cap. Remove the fuel cap so you can slide the shield off of the filler neck. Pull the hose up and out through the fuel cap access door. Drill a 1/4" hole in the plastic shield where you want to attach the fuel filter and the other end of the hose. I chose the right side of the shield, below the fuel door catch.

Poke one end of the fuel filter through the drilled hole. Cut off any excess hose. Attach the hose with the clamp to the fuel filter at the back of the shield. Re-attach shield. Enjoy a little peace of mind!

Note: I trimmed off about 1/2" of nipple from the fuel filter so it would not interfere with removing the fuel cap.

tacomaman06 · 09-25-2008, 09:47 PM

awesome job buddy!!! im doing mine this weekend!!

tacomaman06 · 09-26-2008, 06:47 PM

hey Chad....did you use any teflon tape when you installed the union to the rear diff housing?? just wondering,cause if so, i gotta get a roll of it.

Shadow-Warrior · 09-26-2008, 07:00 PM

Nice, but you also need to do All the breathers, tranny, front diff, transfer case and E-locker too.

I made a post over here which also applies for the Taco's too.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/off...-breather.html

Toy4Life · 09-26-2008, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shadow-Warrior

Nice, but you also need to do All the breathers, tranny, front diff, transfer case and E-locker too.

I made a post over here which also applies for the Taco's too.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/off...-breather.html

Thanks Mike. I only did the rear diff. for now because I need to replace some leaking seals back there. After checking out your write up, I went out and climbed under my truck to look for the e-locker breather and can't seem to find one. Do the 1st gen e-lockers have a breather?

Shadow-Warrior · 09-27-2008, 02:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toy4Life

Thanks Mike. I only did the rear diff. for now because I need to replace some leaking seals back there. After checking out your write up, I went out and climbed under my truck to look for the e-locker breather and can't seem to find one. Do the 1st gen e-lockers have a breather?

I'm not sure...do you have a Schematic on your vehicle?

chris4x4 · 09-27-2008, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toy4Life

Thanks Mike. I only did the rear diff. for now because I need to replace some leaking seals back there. After checking out your write up, I went out and climbed under my truck to look for the e-locker breather and can't seem to find one. Do the 1st gen e-lockers have a breather?

The rear diff breather is the only one. The E-locker doesnt have its own breather.

Shadow-Warrior · 09-27-2008, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris4x4

The rear diff breather is the only one.

besides the tranny, front diff and transfer case.

Mike

tacomaman06 · 09-29-2008, 10:20 AM

did mine just a little while ago......took about 20 minutes. i gotta get another filter for the end of the fuel line though....the one i got was the smallest i could find last night, but closing the fuel door/opening it is a bitch. gonna get a different filter this afternoon.

good mod.......quick and easy.

Toy4Life · 09-29-2008, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tacomaman06

did mine just a little while ago......took about 20 minutes. i gotta get another filter for the end of the fuel line though....the one i got was the smallest i could find last night, but closing the fuel door/opening it is a bitch. gonna get a different filter this afternoon.

good mod.......quick and easy.

If you look at the last pic in my write-up, you can see an xtra hole. That was the first place I wanted to put the filter, but it got in the way of the prongs on the fuel door when I tried to close it. Fortunately, I left a couple inches xtra of hose just in case.....good thing

tacomaman06 · 09-29-2008, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toy4Life

If you look at the last pic in my write-up, you can see an xtra hole. That was the first place I wanted to put the filter, but it got in the way of the prongs on the fuel door when I tried to close it. Fortunately, I left a couple inches xtra of hose just in case.....good thing

Chad...where did you get that small filter you used?? we have lots of them at the shop i work at, but since i am here till after my surgery...cant go get one. thats about the size i need, plus its tapered a bit. mine is a drum type fuel filter, it works, but a bit too big.

Toy4Life · 09-29-2008, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tacomaman06

Chad...where did you get that small filter you used?? we have lots of them at the shop i work at, but since i am here till after my surgery...cant go get one. thats about the size i need, plus its tapered a bit. mine is a drum type fuel filter, it works, but a bit too big.

I got that at the local family owned parts store. The brand is "Prime Line", 1/4" in-line clear plastic fuel filter (part# 7-02357-1). It is for Briggs/Stratton, John Deere. Kohler, Snapper, and Troy Bilt. I imagine anyone that carries lawnmower stuff would have something similar.

tacomaman06 · 09-29-2008, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toy4Life

I got that at the local family owned parts store. The brand is "Prime Line", 1/4" in-line clear plastic fuel filter (part# 7-02357-1). It is for Briggs/Stratton, John Deere. Kohler, Snapper, and Troy Bilt. I imagine anyone that carries lawnmower stuff would have something similar.

ok, cool. i'll go look at walmart or pepboys in a little bit!! we use them at our shop on the old yamaha g1 carts!!

Tacoma02TRD · 11-01-2008, 07:34 PM

I think I'm gonna have to do this with my Tacoma some weekend. Thanks for all the information.

luk8272 · 11-01-2008, 07:37 PM

Its cheap and easy. So simple its a wonder they don't come like that factory.

closha63 · 12-02-2008, 07:55 AM

Hey can someone put up some pictures

09-25-2008, 09:35 PM	#1
Toy4Life Nipple Biter Joined: Aug 2007, #2566 Location: Slippery Rock, PA Age: 29 Gender: Male Posts: 3,576 Radiant Red 02 TRD Offroad 2002 Access Cab Automatic 3.4L V6 Toytec 3" Lift(TAC3-PC-1000), 1" diff. drop, Tacoma World sticker, gray wire mod, 15x8 black steel wheels, 33/10.5/15 BFG AT KO's, K&N High Flow air filter, trash can tonneau cover	DIY: Differential Breather Extension Relocating the rear differential breather is an easy and inexpensive way to help prevent costly damage to the rear differential. As air expands and contracts from temperature changes within the rear differential, the breather allows the differential to "breathe". However, with the stock location of the breather, it is possible for the differential to "inhale" water in certain situations. By relocating the breather to a higher position on the vehicle, this can be prevented. Perform at your own Risk Materials: 8ft 1/4" rubber fuel line 1 "union" (Toyota part# 9040451026) 2 small hose clamps 1 small in-line fuel filter 2-3 plastic zip ties Tools: 14mm box/open wrench 10mm box/open wrench 1/4" socket/ratchet 8mm socket/ratchet cordless drill w/ 1/4" drill bit wire cutters Loosen the breather with the 14mm wrench. Before completely removing the breather, clean the area around it to prevent any debris from entering the differential. With the 10mm wrench, install the "union" in place of the breather. Note that the "union" will not tighten down flush with the surface of the differential housing. With one of the hose clamps on the end of the hose, slide one end of the hose over the nipple on the "union" and tighten the clamp. (I used the 1/4" ratchet for the clamps because I tend to stab myself with screwdrivers) Run the hose along the e-locker cable(anchor with zip ties) over the frame rail to the fuel filler neck. Leave adequate slack in the hose above the differential to allow for suspension flex. Using the 8mm ratchet, remove the 4 bolts that secure the plastic shield around the fuel cap. Remove the fuel cap so you can slide the shield off of the filler neck. Pull the hose up and out through the fuel cap access door. Drill a 1/4" hole in the plastic shield where you want to attach the fuel filter and the other end of the hose. I chose the right side of the shield, below the fuel door catch. Poke one end of the fuel filter through the drilled hole. Cut off any excess hose. Attach the hose with the clamp to the fuel filter at the back of the shield. Re-attach shield. Enjoy a little peace of mind! Note: I trimmed off about 1/2" of nipple from the fuel filter so it would not interfere with removing the fuel cap. __________________

09-25-2008, 09:47 PM	#2
tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Redneck Division Joined: May 2007, #1475 Location: rock hill, sc Age: 29 Gender: Male Posts: 12,530 04 trd tacoma 4x4 v6 double cab 2004 Double Cab Automatic 3.4 v6 vent visors,deck plate mod, gray wire mod, black steelies and emblems, mag-lite mod, wheelers/ome suspension, stainless brake lines,blacked out bumpers(bedliner),dynomax super turbo muffler,cabelas mossy oak seat covers ans camo steering wheel cover....still to come.... afe pro dry s filter..........plus many,many more!!	awesome job buddy!!! im doing mine this weekend!! __________________ i am WILL--my ride=04 tacoma trd 4x4 double cab, v6, auto,deck plate mod, grey wire mod, billy 5100's all the way around,black low-pro uws toolbox, black steelies,blacked out emblems, mag light mod,wheelers/alcan springs, ome 881 coils, braided stainless brake lines, polyurethane bushings,dynomax super turbo/slash cut tip-blacked out,chrome deleted bumpers via herculiner bed liner,color matched bedlinered tailgate, camo seat covers,sockmonkey decals,husky floor liners and still to come....15 inch wheelers steelies and gy wrangler mtr's!!! http://s202.photobucket.com/albums/aa269/tacomaman06/ signature by piercedtiger www.myspace.com/goodolboy1979

09-26-2008, 06:47 PM	#3
tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Redneck Division Joined: May 2007, #1475 Location: rock hill, sc Age: 29 Gender: Male Posts: 12,530 04 trd tacoma 4x4 v6 double cab 2004 Double Cab Automatic 3.4 v6 vent visors,deck plate mod, gray wire mod, black steelies and emblems, mag-lite mod, wheelers/ome suspension, stainless brake lines,blacked out bumpers(bedliner),dynomax super turbo muffler,cabelas mossy oak seat covers ans camo steering wheel cover....still to come.... afe pro dry s filter..........plus many,many more!!	hey Chad....did you use any teflon tape when you installed the union to the rear diff housing?? just wondering,cause if so, i gotta get a roll of it. __________________ i am WILL--my ride=04 tacoma trd 4x4 double cab, v6, auto,deck plate mod, grey wire mod, billy 5100's all the way around,black low-pro uws toolbox, black steelies,blacked out emblems, mag light mod,wheelers/alcan springs, ome 881 coils, braided stainless brake lines, polyurethane bushings,dynomax super turbo/slash cut tip-blacked out,chrome deleted bumpers via herculiner bed liner,color matched bedlinered tailgate, camo seat covers,sockmonkey decals,husky floor liners and still to come....15 inch wheelers steelies and gy wrangler mtr's!!! http://s202.photobucket.com/albums/aa269/tacomaman06/ signature by piercedtiger www.myspace.com/goodolboy1979

09-26-2008, 07:00 PM	#4
Shadow-Warrior Senior Member Joined: Sep 2008, #9249 Location: Arkansas Posts: 147 07 TRD FJ Crusier 2007 Automatic To Many to list here	Nice, but you also need to do All the breathers, tranny, front diff, transfer case and E-locker too. I made a post over here which also applies for the Taco's too. http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/off...-breather.html __________________ *"Good people sleep peacefully at night safe in the knowledge that rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf"* (George Orwell) TLCA Member : #18084 Honorary AZFJ Club Member Honorary SoCal Club Member FJ Cruiser Club Member Meet The RAPTOR 2007 TRD SE

09-29-2008, 10:20 AM	#9
tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Redneck Division Joined: May 2007, #1475 Location: rock hill, sc Age: 29 Gender: Male Posts: 12,530 04 trd tacoma 4x4 v6 double cab 2004 Double Cab Automatic 3.4 v6 vent visors,deck plate mod, gray wire mod, black steelies and emblems, mag-lite mod, wheelers/ome suspension, stainless brake lines,blacked out bumpers(bedliner),dynomax super turbo muffler,cabelas mossy oak seat covers ans camo steering wheel cover....still to come.... afe pro dry s filter..........plus many,many more!!	did mine just a little while ago......took about 20 minutes. i gotta get another filter for the end of the fuel line though....the one i got was the smallest i could find last night, but closing the fuel door/opening it is a bitch. gonna get a different filter this afternoon. good mod.......quick and easy. __________________ i am WILL--my ride=04 tacoma trd 4x4 double cab, v6, auto,deck plate mod, grey wire mod, billy 5100's all the way around,black low-pro uws toolbox, black steelies,blacked out emblems, mag light mod,wheelers/alcan springs, ome 881 coils, braided stainless brake lines, polyurethane bushings,dynomax super turbo/slash cut tip-blacked out,chrome deleted bumpers via herculiner bed liner,color matched bedlinered tailgate, camo seat covers,sockmonkey decals,husky floor liners and still to come....15 inch wheelers steelies and gy wrangler mtr's!!! http://s202.photobucket.com/albums/aa269/tacomaman06/ signature by piercedtiger www.myspace.com/goodolboy1979

11-01-2008, 07:34 PM	#14
Tacoma02TRD Senior Member Joined: Nov 2008, #10418 Location: Walla Walla WA/ Klamath Falls OR Age: 19 Gender: Male Posts: 152 02 Tacoma TRD 2002 Xtra Cab Manual 3.4liter 3inch Revtech lift,Flowmaster Muffler, K&N cold air intake, 33x12.5 Maxxis Bighorns, TRD stock locker, Hella 500 Fog lights, Scanguage II, Red led interior lights	I think I'm gonna have to do this with my Tacoma some weekend. Thanks for all the information.

11-01-2008, 07:37 PM	#15
luk8272 Southern Louisiana Joined: Feb 2008, #4929 Location: Kaplan, Louisiana Age: 26 Gender: Guy Posts: 1,931 07 Silver4dr. 4x4, V6 Shortbed 2007 Double Cab Automatic 4.0 5% Tint, Bug flector, vent Visors, Removed secondary air filter, Rear Spring TSB w/ Bilstein shocks, Toytec 3" lift, Debadged, Billet Grille, 17x9 Pro comp 6001 rims, BFG 285/70/17, Fog light anytime mod, Tailgate hose clamp mod, Prodry AFE filter. Extended Differential Breather, ABS on/off, 6000k HID heads/fogs, ScanguageII Wanting Sliders and Exhaust!	Its cheap and easy. So simple its a wonder they don't come like that factory. __________________

12-02-2008, 07:55 AM	#16
closha63 QuickShift Joined: Nov 2008, #10470 Location: York Springs, PA Age: 22 Gender: Male Posts: 10 04 SR5 TRD 2004 Xtra Cab Manual 3.4L 3'' Though Country Suspension lift, Grey Wire Mod, Cold Air Intake, Tundra TRD Exhaust Tail pipe ( all custom pipe) Sounds real mean!! Huculiner bed protectant, Rear diff. Breather Mod.	Hey can someone put up some pictures