Threads describing 3rd member removal?

I got a quote from my local differential specialty shop to drive in and have them install my new ARB and gears. (I already have the parts.)

After I got up off the floor, I asked how much if I just bring in the 3rds. OK, that I can deal with.

So I looked in my Chilton's guide for description of removing the 3rd. Pretty much unhelpful. Look on TW and on the rest of the web. I'm not really finding any good photo threads here, especially for the front.

There's this one, which isn't bad, but it is a 1st gen.

http://www.atarmor.com/3rdmemwriteup/writeup2.htm

This one has some good insights and info, again for the rear, but not step-by-step.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/56683-swapping-rear-3rd-member-difficulty.html

So, can you guys point me to any other good threads and writeups that I might be missing?

 

I don't know of any better threads than those two. The third removal is going to be pretty similar between the 1st and 2nd gens with the main difference being what's inside the third. I was able to take mine out by myself after reading those threads. It was a little intimidating at first, but eventually I had to just do it.

 

One of the good hints about how well you've searched is, after you've created a thread, what TW gives you as similar threads.

And there's not a lot down there on this one...

 

1st gen

remove d-shaft and unbolt brake lines
unbolt axle
pull out axles
then unbolt the third

unless im missing something i recall thats it but its way past my bedtime

 

^thats how I did mine. If it helps if you have another person to help pull the axles so the third drops. It is pretty straight forward. Just replace the paper gasket or use rtv.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/179500-re-gear-writeup.html

 

Components and Torque Specs Removal and Disassembly Installation Buy the SSTs or their equivalent and do it yourself ...

 

SST?

 

Special Service Tools

You don't need them from the dealer unless they are really specific to the vehicle and task, sometimes they're strange one-off items.

It's a case by case thing, but if I can buy the tools so I can do it myself for the same or less than a shop visit, I'll do it so it's cheaper the next time around.

 

So, I'm heading down to the hardware store at lunch - it looks like 35mm is the size socket to get for front CV axle removal, despite 36mm being the stated "official" size??

 

IIRC yeah. 35 fits perfect.

 

From another thread ... says he can swap out the third member in about an hour. Sounds like a great shortcut.

 

dude it takes me between 45 min to an hour

 

What do you plug the end of the brake lines with so you don't lose all your brake fluid or get air all the way to the master cylinder?

 

You can get some rubber caps.

 

Auto supply store?

 

Nothing really. Wad up some shop rags and let them soak it up. Change them as needed every 15 or 20 minutes. You are going to lose some brake fluid, so bleeding the brakes is required when you're done swapping the diffs.

 

Yeah. Something like the caps on your bleeders should work. Maybe a little bigger.

 

They're going to be out for a week ( pull one weekend, drop at shop on Monday, pick up when completed, reinstall following weekend.) So I need to seal them up well.