And the Money Pit Grows Deeper

Well, so today I had new tires put on my Taco. I used Interco Trxus MT tires for those interested. Very quiet and smooth ride which is great considering I had worn out Interco TSL's which vibrated the entire truck, and it sounded like I was driving a C-130.

It seemed life would be great, however, when the shop took off my wheels they found that my rear axle seals crapped the bed. They don't know yet if it is the inner or outer ones, regardless though we are looking at some cash. We are talking upwards 1000 bucks just for the rear axles and brake job that is required because the whole rear is a mess. I'm wondering what the custom/aftermarket axle world is like.

They also found my CV axles up front are leaking too. Saturday I have my OME lift kit and TC UCA's showing up. So now what?

Whats the best way to go about this gents? New tougher axles (which I don't know what is available), or repair the old ones as well as brakes?

 

Axles and axle seals are 2 different things. Replacing good axles and leaving bad seals burns money and doesn't fix anything. You *should* be fine with the original axles and new seals unless the entire thing has been trashed for so long that the axles are pitted beyond sealing.

No matter what you WILL need a brake job. Gear oil is pretty much impossible to get out of brake pads. Depending on how bad you're actually leaking, the bandaid is a good cleaning and new brakes. But you'll be replacing them once they are soaked as well. But rear brakes are cheap, so pick your poison.

 

Okay perhaps I wasn't clear, I meant an entire rear end. Since I run big tires eventually the oem rear axle will run into the same problem again of premature wear due to stress.

 

Entire rear end? All because of leaking axle seals? If it were me I would replace the seals, bearings, and brake shoes. Provided that the axle surface isn't pitted. Also change the fluid while your at it. This can all be done in a driveway if you so choose. Cost would be <200 bucks or so..

 

I would get another estimate. I had my rear axles seals leak and soak the brakes and replacing the seals and brakes was all it took to correct. I did it myself for less than a hundred. Even if you are not up to doing it yourself it should be much less than $1000.

 

Actually the guy told me the estimate he gave me was "worst case." I'm just thinking about the situation and my options since I'm already down there why not go balls out...

They also told me my CV joints up front are leaking too so I'm also debating whether or not I want/need a LT or solid axle up front.

Application = daily driver, mudding, hunting truck. I was planning on supercharging this this thing next month, but I could use that money towards my suspension instead.

I've got a lot planned for this truck. I've already got a general restoration plan for it over the next few years. Until the US gets the Hilux back I will stick with my first gen tacoma. When I was in Afghanistan I discovered the Hilux...America has not idea what it is missing. It literally is the perfect working man's truck and none of the crap they love to put in modern vehicles that negatively effect reliability is present (aka more stuff to break) and they also are attractive trucks at that!