Rear differential ruined..

I'm just looking for some input here.

I've got a 2001 TACOMA 4x4 exteded cab 3.4l and I just discovered the pinion seals have been leaking for some time and the read differential is destroyed.

I don't think this truck is worth much, but the engine still runs strong. I just bought new tires as well.

How much would it typically cost to get a used one put in? Thanks!

Edit: has 425,000 on it.. I was hoping to have it go another 25,000 miles or so. New brakes, tires, timing chain, water pump. Has a few other minor leaks and check engine light is on. I have no idea if it will pass inspection this year, but I'm hoping it will.. Just 1 more year!

 

You'd be surprised how much 1st gen Tacomas are worth. The average price for them on the used market (even with high mileage - 150,000+) is about $10,000 give or take a few thousand. I've seen some at dealerships priced at $15,000. For a 20 year old truck.

 

Stock diff with matching gears maybe $350-450

 

pshhh if I could get the dealership to do it for $450, then that's an easy decision, but I seriously doubt it.. Are you talking about just for the used part? Or parts + labor?

 

$600 from ECGS and do it youself

 

ECGS Thanks for that kodiakisland $600 for a new clamshell. Still waiting on the dealership to source a used one, but this is definitely a possibility....

 

Used should be cheaper, but you never know what condition its in. It is an easy job to swap out yourself. I definitely wouldn't pay a dealership to do it.

 

I'll take your word for it. When I took it in to a firestone (which was just across the street) they wouldn't even touch it. Of course firestone is just interested in selling tires I think... I'll look into it and If I can get it done under 4 hours or so, I'll do it myself. Thanks for the feedback, I think if the dealership comes in under $900 for parts+labor, I'll just have them do it, Otherwise I'll take a crack it myself.

 

It's easy to swap in and out yourself. So I'm just guessing on used part prices.

 

I did mine myself in a couple of hours, and I work slow. I read through this thread first: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...d-installation-of-e-locker-3rd-member.193828/

 

Get one from a pick n' pull type place and do it yourself. Trade in your old one for a core charge, and the total cost shouldn't be too bad. Certainly less than $900!

I do have to ask why you're having the work done at a dealer. I only go to the dealer for work being done under the orig manf. warranty on new(er) vehicles. Those guys generally charge arm/leg prices.

I'm betting you can find a reputable local shop that'll do it for 60% what the dealer charges.

Or... do it yourself using the link above.

 

Nice kodiak, thanks for posting that. I was just now looking for instructions, so you saved me a bunch more work..
Great snowrox. I'm sure the dealership will talk on an amount for sourcing it.

So I've got a pretty good idea now.. between $350-600 for parts and 2 hours of labor. Dealership should come in under $900 IMO to make it worth my while...

 

Well I took to the dealer, because they usually do a great job, although, yes, the prices are a bit steep. I'm only out $65 for a diagnostic fee which they will apply to the repair if I agree to do it with them. As part of that $65, they are going to narrow down and document (with pictures) some other minor leaks that I have going on..

I've got another place, Rocky Mountain auto, who has agreed to work on it, so I'll price out the replacement cost with them as well.

There's only one dedicated pick and pull place here in the Denver area, yota yard.

 

Im curious as to why you think your truck isn't worth much, is it rusty? If the motor runs strong, and the frame is good, and the body is good, its a good truck.

Oh and I agree, Id go to a pick and pull and do it yourself, you can get an axle for dirt cheap.

 

Naw, the truck has 425000 miles, clear coat is going out with some minor hail damage. Colorado is dry though, no rust and the engine still runs good.

BTW, I just heard back from the dealership. They wants $1900 LOL, those guys are nuts.

 

That's crazy. Find or just buy a complete third and it really isn't that bad.

 

First thing you should do is get your vehicle out of that dealership. If you have to, tow it home. Next, if you can do without the truck for a few days, search your local salvage yards for 1st Gen Tacomas. You can usually do the searching online, at least you can at the Pick and Pull salvage yards in California. If you find one, visit the yard and hope the 3rd member hasn't been pulled yet. If it hasn't, get out your tools and get to work. Pulling the 3rd member is really easy. Pull the axles on both sides, remove all the nuts on the 3rd member and pull that bad boy out. Take it home and install it your rig. You're all done and now you can drink a beer.

Here's a video that could help you out:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZMTbgY1xQKk

 

Just for fun, here's a video my buddy Sean and I made raping a 3rd Gen 4runner at one of our local Pick and Pulls.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/iAEo7UV6Nz4

 

To replace the 3rd member?

Jesus christ, that's robbery. You can get a WHOLE axle assebly for less.

You could get a brand new (rebuilt) 3rd with a locker and new gears for like $500 or so...

 

Oh wait are you THE Tim? I actually emailed you a couple weeks ago asking for your notes on the front differential removal cheat sheet. I mentioned I was doing the PreRunner conversion to you - did you ever put out those wildfires?