Strange front end clunking noise

hey guys my name is josh I'm 19 I bought a 2009 tacoma 4x4 v6 base model close to a year ago had 133k when I bought it now it has about 150k,

Recently I replaced the cv axle (around 250-300 miles ago) I could not get the drain plug out of the front diff, Barley any oil leaked out when I pulled the cv axle but I did refill it with about 300mL of 75-90 gear case oil and I could feel the oil on my finger from the fill plug hole and I have read where that's an adequate amount of oil for the front diff
(Stop when you feel it on your finger from the fill plug hole)

Now driving on freshly paved asphualt (smooth ride) when I get to about 60-70ish mph it's making a clunking clattering noise
I do not know what it is

I feel the diff as soon as I get out it doesn't feel hot doesn't smell hot, but for the life of me I can not figure out what it is

Also my sway bar is rubbing the bottom front side of my coil spring (OEM tacoma coilovers)

I don't know what the problem is
I don't know what to look for
I drive this truck like a grandpa I barely ever get it over 2500 rpms when accelerating, I don't run it hard
If any one can help me I'd really appreciate it thank you

(pictures are of driver side of truck)

 

Not sure about the other issues, but if your truck is OEM up front, with OEM sway bar, the rubbing most likely means your struts are dead, need to be changed. You planning on lifting it? If so, before you change the struts, plan ahead and buy struts that will match your lift.

Even if your not planning on lifting it, be sure to get opinions from everyone before you replace them, you can get much better advice here than a dealership

 

I can see that your sway bar endlink is due for a change.
I am pretty sure thats the rubbing you identified.
As well I would check your ball joints and ensure you have the CV bolt tightened up.

 

What parts did you disconnect to do the cv?

 

In the pics, the strut body looks 'wet'.

 

Strut body was excited to see him.

 

I’ve had sway bar end link bushings go bad on my 08 in the past. Terrible clunking noise over bumps.

 

So I'm in an identical situation to this gentleman, need my struts replaced...

But I cannot get the three upper mount nuts off for the life of me. Broke two 3/8 ratchets (all that could fit up there, lifetime guarantees at that).

I recently had my frame replaced at a dealership (recall for 2nd gen models), and wonder if it's possible they tightened them up GOOD?? They had mentioned to me that I should get them replaced, after a $900 quote, opted to do so myself...

 

First thing i thought too lol

 

Was that 900 just for labor?

 

I would just cut them off with a grinder/cut off wheel or recip saw or oscillating saw.

The third bolt in the rear will be the hardest to get at.

Hitting them with a torch until red hot and then dousing with penetrating oil once they cool a bit will help if you insist on using a ratchet. (Hint: A 3' breaker bar with a wobble extension will move almost anything with a 180 lb man hanging off it.

 

$900 was for parts & labor. It seems to me they'd have to remove the strut anyway to get the new frame on, so I was skeptical of the labor. They said "we'd have to use a compressor gun to get the new struts on - that costs extra labor"... apparently they don't use assemblies...?

Problem with the breaker bar is there just isn't enough clearance to get at it. Can only get in there with a 3/8... I don't even know if I could get an angle grinder down there?

Treating it overnight with some penetrant and will probably try a torch next. If that fails... will bring to my trusted local garage, if they note those nuts are on WAY too tight, I'm going back to the dealership and giving them a piece of my mind. Feel like you've got to have some real insane torque on there to break two ratchets (thought maybe the first one was a fluke?)...