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Need some differential guidance

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by The_Dude, Aug 25, 2011.

  1. Aug 25, 2011 at 12:01 PM
    #1
    The_Dude

    The_Dude [OP] Well-Known Member

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    To make a long short, it looks like I need a new rear differential. I'm not sure as to what the extent of the damage is nor do I know how much time I have to fix the prob. Occasionally, when cold, I would hear a screaming sound coming from underneath the truck but could never pin point it or feel any adverse effects. The mechanic wants about $780.00 for a rebuilt diff.

    I was thinking I might be able to either pick up a differential out of a junkyard, or get a rebuild, and do it myself. I can wrench a little, but only have basic hand tools. What's the level of difficulty in doing this?

    Also, after looking around the forum, it looks like now would be a good time to upgrade to a locking diff. In doing so, it appears that I would need to pick up the entire axle.


    My truck is a '99 V6 SR5...

    Any suggestions/advice?
     
  2. Aug 25, 2011 at 12:07 PM
    #2
    jberry813

    jberry813 Professional Fluffer Moderator

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    You need to know exaclty is wrong before committing to $780? A differential encompasses a large number of parts.

    $780 is on the steep side if all you need is a new Ring & Pinion. Hell I got my truck regeared for a tad more and that was front and rear.

    I wouldn't recommend doing the work yourself if you've never done gears before. It's a precision thing. You can save yourself some money like I did and just pull the 3rd member out and take the pumpkin to the diff shop and have them repair it. Saves you a couple hours on labor.

    If you want to use the toyota E locker, then yes its easist to get the whole rear diff. That being said, you can also pick up an ARB air locker and keep your existing diff.
     
  3. Aug 25, 2011 at 12:16 PM
    #3
    linked2002

    linked2002 Well-Known Member

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    100% agreed. you can get away with looking around on c-list for a stock 3rd and save yourself the hassle of getting a all new axle. since you dont have the e-locker model, you should be running the t100/ first gen tundra third as well. they are all swappable if im not mistaken. 780 is steep. and unless you know how to set lash, depth, and get a proper wear pattern on the coast and drive faces of the gears, i wouldnt even attempt to think about messing with it.
     
  4. Aug 25, 2011 at 12:34 PM
    #4
    The_Dude

    The_Dude [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the help. Gonna call and find out what the exact problem is... I like the idea of pulling out the 3rd myself and having it fixed...

    The locker would be nice, but I'm pretty sure getting all the wiring installed is over my head.

    Thanks again.
     
  5. Aug 25, 2011 at 1:08 PM
    #5
    linked2002

    linked2002 Well-Known Member

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    you sound like you dont do alot of heavy wheeling... screw a wired locker and go with a lockright. as far as a scream in the rear gears, that is normally a sign of too tight of a mesh. it could honestly be just something as simple as re-shimming that carrier and you would be all good. take it to someone trustworthy. not someone looking to make a buck.

    rip the third out yourself and post pictures of the gears inside and we may be able to walk you through some at home tests to narrow down what is wrong
     
  6. Aug 25, 2011 at 1:11 PM
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    The_Dude

    The_Dude [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I really don't. Just light off road stuff. I can wrench around a little bit...never been that deep in the drive train though. Which isn't to say I wouldn't trust myself getting in there...
     
  7. Aug 25, 2011 at 1:37 PM
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    linked2002

    linked2002 Well-Known Member

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    the diff is easy. drain it... get jack stands under the axle.. pull off wheels, unbolt the drums from the axle housing, pull them out... unbolt driveshaft, unbolt third, and ta da!!!! done.
     
  8. Aug 25, 2011 at 1:46 PM
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    jberry813

    jberry813 Professional Fluffer Moderator

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    You forgot to remove the brake lines and optionally ABS sensors. :)
     
  9. Aug 25, 2011 at 1:51 PM
    #9
    linked2002

    linked2002 Well-Known Member

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    naw.... just pull on those.. they will eventually break and be outta the way hahaha.
     
  10. Aug 30, 2011 at 1:14 PM
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    The_Dude

    The_Dude [OP] Well-Known Member

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    If I wanted to swap out my rear axle from a '99 Tacoma V6 SR5 to the rear locking differential axle of say a 2004 TRD Tacoma, how difficult would it be to get it installed and wired properly?
     
  11. Aug 30, 2011 at 1:33 PM
    #11
    jberry813

    jberry813 Professional Fluffer Moderator

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    There is gobs of information on the web about this. Google is your friend.

    You can start with this, there's a whole section on elocker with multiple hyperlinks.
    http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/diffs/
     
  12. Aug 30, 2011 at 2:24 PM
    #12
    The_Dude

    The_Dude [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks man. I was searching around TW but kept coming across all kinds of different info. Appreciate it.
     
  13. Aug 30, 2011 at 2:29 PM
    #13
    jberry813

    jberry813 Professional Fluffer Moderator

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    Don't get me wrong, TW is great, but it does not contain the answer to everything. :D
     
  14. Feb 20, 2012 at 2:09 PM
    #14
    The_Dude

    The_Dude [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I found a guy in Montclair, CA. that specializes in off road drivetrains. He said he'd replace the ring and pinion, and bearings for $650. He'll also warranty his work for a year or 12k miles. The same axle out of the junkyard will cost approx $700 with unknown mileage. I'm leaning towards the rebuild.

    Opinions?
     
  15. Feb 21, 2012 at 9:45 AM
    #15
    The_Dude

    The_Dude [OP] Well-Known Member

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