bad pinion on rear diff?

Hello,

I have a 2011 regular cab with a rattling metallic sound coming from the rear diff area.I jacked it up and ran it up to about 50 mph and a loud rattling sound could be heard. I think it may be the pinion bearing.The drive shaft has been replaced and the shop said the u-joints were good.Anyone know the cost to repair?
Can it be easily removed and have a shop repair it? I also thought about putting in a locker if it does not cost a whole lot more.

Thanks

 

This should not be happening on a 2-year old Toyota. If it is the rear diff, then the warranty should cover it. Make certain that its the diff causing the problem, and not brakes, or driveline.

It might cost around $600 to repair. Removing the diff is doable, but not for a novice who mainly does tune-ups and oil changes. You have to disconnect the driveshaft, drain the diff, remove the 2 axle shafts (or just pull them out about 3 inches), unbolt it and wrestle that beastie out. Doing that will save about $100 in labor. Then take it to a specialist to repair.

That would be the perfect time to put in a locker or LSD. The unit would cost anywhere from $250 to $1200, depending on what you choose. Then the additional labor to install into the diff. Do a search about lockers on this site and you'll find dozens of threads that discuss which type to purchase.

I run a Detroit TruTrac gear-driven LSD.

 

I should have mentioned I purchased the truck wrecked in the front so no warranty.The bed contacted the cab in the wreck and may have stressed the differential.I did have the drive shaft retubed due to a dent and wobble.I plan on taking it to the shop which retubed the drive shaft and see what they say.I was thinking about pulling out the diff but I am getting too old and don't have the pliability I used to have.