Third member rusting through?

My 2002 Tacoma 4x4 just developed a drip from under the rear end housing. I assumed it was from the pinion seal. I took a look under the truck and the third member itself looks pretty crusty.
I know tacomas have an issue with the axle housing itself rusting through. Has anyone had a third member rust through? My housing itself doesn't look that bad, but I figure I would have a Barnes Off road cover welded in while it's apart, along with new OEM backing plates.
Just trying to gather up all the parts before I start.
A new third member is about $375 from toyota online. I don't mind spending the money to do it right the first time, just wondering how common this problem is.
I'll spray the axle down with gunk engine cleaner and pressure wash it to make sure its not just the pinion seal slinging gear oil everyehere.
Thanks

 

Looks like that's not the only thing crusting away

 

Where are you finding a new toyota 3rd member for $375?

 

I'd clean it up first for sure. Those are pretty thick. I bet it's the seal.

 

Yep. They are super thick and the even spray pattern would indicate the leak coming from the nose of the third. Good news is that it's not hard to replace the pinion seal, just keep track of where the nut is on the pinion and give it an extra 1/8th of a turn when you put it back on to keep the preload on the pinion bearings.

 

Yup, it's a New England truck. The truck got a new frame a few years ago. At some point I'll replacing that nasty gas tank skid plate
For now the game plan is to adress the rear axle.

ToyotaOEMDirect has the carrier case part # 41101-34030 for $357.

I think my game plan will be to remove the rear end myself and drop it off at a machine shop. It's 1 of those "while it's apart deal's". I'd like to replace the crusty backing plates. The diff cover itself doesnt look horrible but now will be the time to have the pumpkin cover cut off & a Barnes Off road heavy duty cover welded on. Hopefully that will avoid a problem down the road.
I'm glad to hear that the carrier case is thick metal. I was thinking it may be a problem area like the diff cover that rust out & become pourus. If need be the machine shop can swap my parts over to the new carrier (although it sounds like I probrably won't need 1 ).
I thought about finding a rear axle from a rust free climate & having it shipped. It will probrably be the $$ in the end, but by going through the original axle I will know what I have. It was a 1 owner truck when i bought it last year. I know the origional owner & It was used strictly as a commuter vehicle. It now has 210k on it. It runs & drives 100% so i dont mind spending s few bucks yo keep it going that way.

Thanks for the help

 

I have a housing all you need to do is swap in your ring and pinion

 

i couldn't sell a complete 4.10 third for $50.

 

How much shipped to zip code 02718?
Thamks

 

its too heavy to ship at the only post office near me. id expect to be $100+ to get to you in the us though

 

I’d say take that sucker off and attempt to do it yourself. The rear diff is much easier than the front, especially swapping them. Take a wheel brush to it and get all that gunk off and maybe throw some new paint while you’re at it. If you’re planning on replacing it with a new 3rd, it would be a easy job. If you’re planning on having the whole assembly taken apart, I am not sure if it’s worth it. Take a look at the gears and look at their condition, with shop prices and part replacement it may just be worth getting a new 3rd.