Why do we have a sealed rear diff?

Just like the title asks, why do we have a sealed rear diff? It would be nice to have the ability to use a cover with cooling fins, or whatever they're called.

 

Does it need cooling fins?

 

It's not unusual.
The Ford 9 inch was a standard among hotrodders in the 70s and it's the same design.

There's no need for cooling fins and no real advantage to increased capacity... the truck simply is not rated to tow heavy enough for it to become an issue.

But what it does is it makes setup a lot easier. The whole gearset is assembled on the bench into the carrier and installed as one piece.
GM/Dana designs may require a couple of runs disassembling and reassembling to get the shims correct.

 

X2 and I feel they are easier to work on. Pop it in pop it out so to speak, also diff oil changes are much better/ easier no taking off the rear cover crap leaks all over the place, put a new gasket on the cover or use some goopy crap to make it seal etc etc.

Brett

 

It might mot be necessary, but it might be an extra peace of mind if you tow heavy loads. Plus the option of extra bling, if you're into that kind of stuff

 

This design is stronger than the type with sheet metal covers. Ford 9", Chrysler 8 3/4", both known for durability and strength...both with pumpkin-in-housing design.

 

Well, its not completely sealed- we do a diff breather
The non TRD Tacoma diffs are the same diffs used on the original Tundras. Should be overkill in general, especially with the 4 bangers!

 

Because having differential with cover and coolign fans on the back is just one of the dumbest things ever. If you into decorating rear differential glue some cover with fins to it.
But people will not see behind swinging suck from tow hitch

EDIT: Oh and we also have coolign fins but they are on the front of differential on third member. Thats where they supposed to be.

 

What he said.

The "third member" type differentials have historically been stronger, and capable of handling more wear and stress than the differentials that have a thin metal access plate. It has nothing to do with "trying to make more money" off of a person.

 

It's not sealed...it's just 'different' design.

It's called a 3rd Member....and Toyota has been using it for years. Changing the diff oil is a BREEZE.

I've had many Jeeps that have a DIFF COVER. And honestly, they're a royal pain in the ass. You can't change the diff oil without removing the diff cover. It's a damn mess......you have to clean the area up and buy a new gasket every time. Putting the cover back on....and torquing each bolt properly. If you don't torque the bolts right - it'll leak. The torque spec isn't all that much because the diff cover itself isn't very thick. If you over-torque the cover, you can twist it (which can cause a leak).

And not to mention....when offroading....if you rub the diff on some rocks (without a skid plate), it'll peel the diff cover away enough to cause a leak.

Thanks - I'll take the 3rd member. You can have your diff cover....

 

pretty sure thats not the reason, its a stronger design and less things to snap during hard use, its essentially a one piece axle
Also your saying only the dealership has access to the diff???

 

I flooded my MIL's garage with nasty diff fluid when I did my Chevy. I'll take this setup any day.

 

Yep. Cut some beer cans up, epoxy them onto the pumpkin and hit the whole thing with some silver (or red, or better yet, day-glo orange) paint and you're good to go.

 

forget that. I have a much better idea.

I have a box full of real vents that will really make your truck much "cooler"





Just stick like 20 on each side and even when your trucks not running it will be cooler. When it is running you will have more hot air flowing away then the Indy cars on the package guaranteed or your money back.

I accept paypal as well. Just send $20 to: ican'tbeleiveIjustreadthis
and ill get you a box of (50) out the next business day. Color options are chrome and spladouche.

 

How is it sealed???

Slide the axles out and pull it to work on the bench where it should be.. It is way easier to get at than the design with the cover..

Ever setup up a diff on a truck vs doing it on the bench???

This is a better design really..

 

The Tacoma is not rated to haul enough of a load to make a difference.

It's a half-ton at best... not a 3/4 ton that can tow 10k.

If you want bling, JC Whitney sells chrome diff covers that attach to the axle and cover the center.

 

I love JC

 

The truth comes out.

Get a BAMF diff armor cover and powder coat or chrome plate it.