Rear Differential rebuild

I have an 05 Tacoma 2WD Pre-runner TRD with locking differential. I had a humming noise that was related to speed and not RPMs (Putting in neutral while driving had no effect on noise but rate of speed did). I had it in for service at my dealer and asked them to inspect the noise. They said it was a front wheel bearing and they wanted $700 to replace it. I declined and parked the truck for a while. I recently got off my butt and took it to a shop to have the bearing replaced (They quoted me $395 before I took it in). He called me shortly after dropping it off and said the bearings were fine and that the noise was coming from the rear differential. After tearing it down, he said it would need to be rebuilt. My estimate is at $1800 at this point. Does that sound like a fair price to rebuild the DIff with new parts?

 

Note - Everything on the truck is stock. He said he found a lot of metal in the gear oil...

 

Did you change your diff oil ever?

 

Yes but not until around 100k miles

 

i had my 3rd rebuilt for $250 . I had about 5 teeth on the ring and 3 teeth on the pinon broke off. shop around would be my advise.

I also removed the 3rd and installed it after it was rebuilt to save money


Im not sure what rear end the 2wd have but just to give you a idea . you can get a assembled 3rd from east coast gear supply for $640 .
http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-131078-8-tacoma-fj-cruiser-4runner-e-locker-3rd.html

 

He's got the parts estimated at about $1000 and labor at $800

 

Thanks Guys!

 

1800 is way too much IMO.

 

Also, I'd be careful who I trust to build a rear end. You'd likely be way better off swapping the 3rds yourself. Contact ECGS or find one from a wrecked truck. Should save you a lot of $$.

 

OP, looks like you and I are in the same market. I thought about checking out local junkyards but I would rather buy with a piece of mind.

Thank you johnnym for that link. I been meaning to check out ECGS but haven't had the time.

 

This ^

 

no problem joe

ill leave this here incase any of you do it on your own .
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...removal-installation-e-locker-3rd-member.html

 

I would agree with being diligent in choosing someone to rebuild the differential. Getting the proper contact pattern on the ring and pinion is crucial to longevity and having a quiet rear end.

 

Sounds like buying a rebuilt from ECGS is the way to go. Thanks again to everyone for your advice!