Replaced Front Differential at 57,000mi.

After reading the many opinions on leveling my 4x4 08 Access Cab, I decided to go with the Bilstein 5100's on the front and rear. I had the fronts installed at the 1.75" setting and really like the way it sits. I scheduled a front alignment for the following day at a different shop. After driving about 20 miles home, I was hearing a sound I had not noticed before. I jacked up the left front wheel and as I spun it I could hear a rolling sound coming from the front differential. The right side sounded alright. When I took it in for the alignment the following day, I mentioned it to the technician as I watched him do the alignment. He grabbed the left axle, shook it and said hmm, that seems to be loose. At that time, no fluid was leaking past the seal where the axle enters the differential but within a few days it started to leak. I usually avoid dealerships like the plague, but after realizing it was still just under the 60,000mi. powertrain warranty, I took it in. I was really concerned that they would take one look at the Bilteins and say, sorry you altered the suspension. Fortunately they said the left bearing had spun in the housing and they would need to replace the entire differential and it would be under warranty. WOW! What a relief! 3,000 mi. shy of being out of warranty. But my concern now is will it happen again? Was it just a coincidence it happened just after slightly raising the front? Anyone else experience this? Also on my way home I put it in 4 wheel drive and it sounded fine going in but when I switched it back to H2 it makes a disturbing CLUNK sound. I called and scheduled to bring it back so they can check that out. NOW, this weekend I turned on the AC for the first time in a while (if you live in the Seattle area you'll know why,after all it is only August) and the light on the AC button blinks and it blows warm air. I'll ask about that when I take it in for the clunk. Two weeks ago I was a huge Tacoma fan. Now my confidence has been shaken.

 

that would be a HUGE coincidence in my opinion... that the truck has almost 60,000 miles on the clock and it just happened to fail within 20 miles of the alteration...

 

The front left wheel does make a different noise when u spin it while its jacked up then the right one. Some type of "spider" gear or something. This was what was written down when i took my truck into toyota for a few confusing things happening to my truck.. but it sounds like u had some other issues going on, and got them fixed. Well done

 

Doesn't Toyota offer a lift/leveling kit they install at the dealership?

 

Do you have the diff drop installed for your lift? Just wondering...

 

The "clunk" out of 4WD is normal, mine does it now and then.

 

No, since I only went 1.75" I didn't think it was needed. Now I wonder whether I should do it.

 

This shakes the entire truck. I took it back to the dealer today for them to check it out.

 

Some stealerships will sell and install lifts but it's is not associated with Toyota. It's sort of like an aftermarket accessory installed by the dealership.