Off-Road Tires & Lift cause Rear Diff. Damage?

Yes, it’s a little different for you all, I’m sure. For me too but, I appreciate the help.
I just spoke with him and told him to get on here and read everything. He said he has an account and will do so. He’s at his job so, it may be a little while.

I don’t mind repairing it but, just don’t want this mess to happen again. I just asked him if he’s ever driven it with the rear diff lock engaged while on pavement and he confirmed that he has done that on a couple of occasions, at least. He had no idea that this was a bad thing to do. I’d just like to know we’re fixing it once and for all. Otherwise, it’s becoming a money pit. We spent way too much, $3,600, putting the last one in and do not want to be foolish.

Thanks to all of you for your insight and guidance. It is very much appreciated!

 

It’s never too late for your son to get handy with some tools. A junkyard diff could be found relatively cheap and they are easy to install. Your kid would be learning a skill for life. My first truck was a complete bucket of bolts I got for next to nothing but I worked my ass off to pay for it and to pretty much overhaul everything from nose to tail in my driveway when I was 15 to make it a damn good little truck. I’ve dropped the diff out of my Tacoma with a couple jack stands and a floor jack before when I did my lift. Doesn’t make financial sense to get rid of a vehicle for less than 1k worth of parts.

 

he just answered the question, the locker isn't supposed to be used unless your stuck in mud as a last ditch effort to get out, not to be used on pavement at all, so it looks like user error

 

I’ll let him respond to that when he gets on here!

 

So, even if he only did this a few times it could destroy the rear diff?? If so, I’d feel better about putting more money into it. It is a beautiful truck. He keeps it in excellent condition!

 

hahaha, word to the wise is always read the owners manual front to back and don't let mom post on TW for you

 

keep it! theres people licking their chops to get that truck even with the rear differential blown they will use it to talk you down on the price if you sell it

 

Wow. Really? He had no idea I was on here. He’s a student, we’re footing the bill, again, and as a graduate of Ga. Tech, I can usually figure things out with enough good information. Sorry to have bothered you.

 

shouldn't he be figuring this out?

 

Does the rear differential howl or whine on coast or accel ??? and how many miles or length of time have the repaired axle lasted ??? . has the same drivetrain repair shop rebuilt this both times ???


The reason for these questions is maybe the shop that rebuilt the axle didn't properly set it up and this caused the failure !!!

 

he drove it with the rear locker engaged on pavement im assuming for quite some time.

 

WOW $3,500 for the rear diff to be replaced. Find one in the junk yard or contact East coast gear supply they sell them for $715 with a 5 year warranty
https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-131078-8-tacoma-fj-cruiser-4runner-e-locker-3rd.html

 

Thank you

 

it might just be a ring and pinion replacement, really wont know till it gets riped down. the $3500 quote is probably to replace the entire 3rd member unit with a OEM

 

Thank you. Yes, I’m certain that we got taken. Live and learn.

 

What exectly is wrong with the diff? Is it just leaking? @464201

 

If your son want to drive around with a locked rear axle then take the E locker out an install a Detroit locker in its place

 

It did make noises before it totally broke this second time. Just like it did the first time. It has not been replaced for the second time, yet. We are not using the same shop, if we do repair. I’d have to get the paperwork out at home but think he’s gotten about 60k out of the rebuilt RD, even after he was rear ended shortly after the rebuilt was installed.

I’m thinking we put in a nonlocking RD since he doesn’t really need it and would be less expensive and allow us to get it back on the road. I’ve been told it is safe to do that and it would prevent this from happeneing again for the same reason.
Thank you.

 

For that axle housing, you’d have to put back in a locking diff. If you wanted to though, you could just unplug it so he can’t use it. Or just have him educate himself on a locker and it’s proper uses, and go from there.

 

You would have to swap the whole axle if you wanted to not put a locker in it. If you don't want him using the locker just unplug it or cut the wires