Rear Diff may need to be replaced. Keep, or sell?

Bought a stock '13 OR AT DBCB almost two years ago off a retiree that had never been wheelin', and appeared to be in great condition. Currently Only 107K miles on it. Exterior and interior are in excellent condition. No engine issues as far as I can tell.

Last year I started noticing a rattling sound when going uphill, specifically on left turns. Sounds almost like rattling heats shields. Long story short, I took it to a shop and they determined that the rear differential is the source of that sound, and it may need to be replaced in the not so distant future. Worst case scenario they quoted $5900 to replace.

Assuming they're correct (I'll be getting a second opinion), I'm wondering if I should just sell and try to find another Taco. I'm in probably one of the worst used car markets in the country (PNW), but I don't want to take out any loans for a newer one. What would you all do?

 

That's very low miles for a ruined differential. And it's very easy to change a diff out, so the price you were quoted would have to be a very expensive mechanical part. I have a local wrecking yard that sells good, low mileage diffs for 6/900 bucks.

Yeah, I'd get another opinion, for sure.

 

$5900 for a new diff is insane... the differential from toyota new is like 2500 new for the part.. labor should be less than 1000.. i would get a second opinion. and DO NOT tell the other shop that someone has diagnosed it... ive seen too many places just "go with what they other place said" and be wrong...

 

Agreeing with the others that $5900 is a crazy high price. Had a problem with my rear diff, it was destroyed and damaged the locker enough that I needed a new one. Almost needed a new center diff. Iirc it was $2800 from a very reputable diff shop in San Diego.

 

I’m wondering if changing the differential gear oil would help. Or if it was already done and didn’t get the lsd additive if needed.

I think our resident expert is @gearcruncher

 

Agree with the others that $5900 is insane and to get a 2nd opinion.

You could try finding more information on local shops by posting in your regional sub-forum: https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/north-west.40/

Good luck and welcome to Tacoma World!

 

Lost my rearend in Moab last spring. Complete replacement with ELocker, labor and overnight shipping etc was 4k (Very high but needed to get home...). Why toss a good truck over something easy like a rear end? Trying to equate the "heat shield" noise with a rearend problem. Usually you get a "howl" or popping and can feel it. The only place I know up there that I could send you is Aron's Olympic 4x4 Supply in Snowhomish. They do rearend work and are familiar with Toyota. Good luck.

 

As @pearing stated, rear end issues, specifically differentials tend to make a howling sound or clunking rather than what you describe. Get a second opinion for sure. In my opinion this is not something I'd sell the vehicle over. Should be a fairly simple job for the right mechanic. As for the quote...that's a tad bit high depending on what they're quoting you for. Brand new housing, diff, shafts, bearings, etc....what exactly does that price include parts wise?

 

Is this the same shop that you were using for the converter issue?

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/catalytic-converter-special-service-campaign-question.811616/

Seems like more than a second opinion is in order. Like a whole new shop.

I'm going to bet the diff is just fine and and noise you hear is something else. But even not fine, $5,900 is blatant robbery.

 

There are plenty of heat shields on these trucks to rattle. So far Ive had to add a stainless hose clamp to the drivers side cat shield, a fender washer to one of the long heat shields under the cab, and a new gasket between the y-pipe and muffler pipe.

Very easy to climb under there and see for yourself

 

Reading all the responses this morning got me thinking again...

My first thought was... are you a woman? Sad to say it, but I've had female friends that have been taken advantage of by shops. Women tend to believe the worst and that's what shops will sell you if they can.

As far as the noise. I've heard u-joints rattle/snap/pop/grind/squeal... any one of these noises, or all of them if you ignore the noise long enough. Wheel bearings too.

I really think you need a better shop.

 

I think everyone that posted above me already mentioned everything that I would have said with their excellent advice .
Thats incredibly expensive for a rear diff .
Drive as fast and as far away from that shop as you can

 

ECGS is less than $1000.. 5900 is a rip. Report shop and go to another shop

 

Just do a regear. I paid less than 2k for my entire regear front and rear. All new parts go on. Get a regear instead of a new differential?

 

Unfortunately it’s true. Some shops are honest, some aren’t. The quickie oil change places have a higher probability of giving you a bs story. I’ll often get a call from my niece afraid the wheels will fall off if she doesn’t do the recommended repairs. This creates a distrustful relationship between a customer and tech.

The dishonest ones, they know how to read you. Being young and female are 2 strikes against you. They’ll try to bilk you for all they can. So you as a customer need to learn to read them.

 

They did check the gear oil and said it looked fine.

 

Yup. Have climbed under multiple times and pushed/kicked things trying to find something loose. No luck unfortunately.

 

Lol, no. Just a first time truck owner that has never heard this sound before. But you're right, some shops definitely do that sort of thing. But yea, I'm not going back to this shop.

 

Here's what they quoted



I should add that this is for a worst cast scenario. They said it could be significantly less based on what they find once it's all apart.

 

7 Qts of gear oil?

Here's a new OE diff for $1300 less. https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem/toyota~carrier~assy~differ~41110-35b21.html

As previously mentioned, I'd never darken the door of that den again. Even if the diagnosis is correct, they are way too proud of their work.