front diff issue!

Hey everyone! I think I got an issue with my front differential. theres been a weird grinding or slight vibration coming from somewhere. I believe its the front diff. I got the 1" diff drop, but I resently took a look at it, and theres oil coming from it. And I really dont know what the problem is. Should I just take it to a shop and have them look at it. Or what? does anyone know what the problem could be?

 

Can you tell where exactly the oil is coming from? Definately check your diff. oil level, if you are leaking gear oil, the diff. is probably low.

 

k, how would I go about doing so? I've never done it.

 

and I can defeanantly tell its coming from the diff.

 

If the diff. is leaking that most likely a bad seal, there are probably three seals(2 axle & 1 input shaft) maybe even the diff case (if its a 2 piece, I havn`t looked at mine close enough to know).I think another cause of a leak could be a plugged diff. vent. A slight vibration may be tire balance,u joint, axle joints...grinding doesn`t sound good; brake pads, something rubbing, u joint or axle joints shot? Fluid is pretty cheap maybe drain it and look for any debris of the metal variety? One of the drawbacks of lifting a truck and bigger tires / altering the driveline geometry is increased wear on components.Hope this gives you some things to check also hope its nothing major.

 

Purchase a good manual, it will have lots of info.

 

Cool, thanks for the info! I also hope its nothing serious.

 

If I remember correctly, you'll need to drop your skid plates. the drain plug at the base is a regular bolt. The plug you need to remove to check the fluid level is a hex, 3/8" I think...could be wrong about the size, I can't remember. The plug is on the front side. Once you get that plug out, the oil level should be right up to the hole, put your finger in to feel for the oil. If you need to add oil, you'll need a small pump (not enough space to pour from a bottle). Recommended lubricant is API GL-5 SAE

$29 75w-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2)

75w-90 gear oil.

 

K, I think I got it. thanx! And by the way, I like the new shoes, great look!

 

Thanks.

 

So I have decided that im just ganna take my truck to the shop that installed everything, and see if they can find or fix the problem, and if not then I know a guy who might. I just cant believe that im having problems or ready. Ive never heard of anybody having problems with there tacomas after installing a 3" lift. This Freaken Sucks!!!

 

Maybe for the best. It does suck though. Sorry I couldn't help more.

 

No problem. Just wish me luck! I hope they can fix the problem and its nothing serious.

 

Good luck and hope it's nothing major.

 

So I went to the shop that put the lift, wheels, and tires on. And they found that the right/rear tire was way off balance. So they fixed that and checked the lift and made sure everything was ok. So im happy about that, But the noise or grinding/rubbing is still there. So I think im just ganna take it to a shop. Let them figure it out, and hopefully fix the problem, I really hate this shit. But I dont regret getting the lift one bit, lol. I love the way it looks and feels!

 

Honestly, your grinding/rubbing sound is probably just a coincidence and not related to the lift. Wear and tear doesn't usually happen overnight. Keep us all posted, I am curious what the problem is. Good luck.

 

Yeah, I know. I thought that too, bc the truck has never really been offroad, One's I had too. But the previous owner was a chick that never went offroading and took care of it. So It probably isn't the lift. But Who Knows! It goes in to the shop Teusday. So i'll keep ya'll posted on what he finds. Thanks!

 

Well, My machanic told me that everything with the lift and front axle looked good. And he figures its the tires. So I took back to sschwaby. They looked at it again, for the 3rd freaken time! And one of my tires is off/falty. So Im getting a new tire in a few days, and hopefully It fixes the problem. But Im so glad that Its not the lift or front diff. Thanks toy4life and everyone for the addvise and support.

 

There's a big weight off your shoulders. Glad to hear it's no major mechanical issue.

 

lol... yeah, a huge weight! It bugs the shit out of me when something's wrong with my Tacoma. Thanks again!