200K miles

2008 Taco w/ 200K miles. I recently brought it in to the shop for a tune up. They told me that I'm going to need a new rear differential soon and it will be expensive, a couple thousand. In some ways it seems reasonable to put that kind of money into this truck since new (even used) cars are so expensive. But, I also wonder about whether it's worth it with such high mileage...

 

Why are they claiming it needs a new differential? Did they find metal in the gear oil or is a bearing actually going bad instead? Is it making an audible noise?

 

I'd be curious how they cam to the conclusion the rear diff is on it's way out if you had no complaints about it.

 

x3

 

Welcome to TW. That’s a great picture.

Not sure about the rear differential replacement for your truck. I would be inclined to get a second opinion before spending any money.

 

Rolling back around to this, I'd pull the driveshaft and inspect the u joints and carrier bearing well before I'd let someone rip into the rear end. At that mileage this may be the actual issue and can simulate a rear axle noise or vibration.

 

Like stated above, ujoints and carrier are wearable. Replacing your third member is unlikely.. also a couple thousand is bonkers.

 

Thanks for all of your replies! I can't remember exactly what they said. It was a few weeks ago and there were other things on the list, so I was a bit overwhelmed. Honestly I didn't even know what a rear differential did. (Okay, that's embarrassing) But something they noticed about it while it was up on the lift... I will give them a call and try to get a little more clarity.

 

Get a 2nd opinion. I doubt if the rear diff needs to be replaced. Even if it does, I think you'd be better off repairing it than trying to sell it with a bad diff. I'd fix it then decide if I wanted to sell or keep it.

 

Looks like they are looking at the female repair manual. Ask in the regional forums for a referral to a trustworthy shop.

 

There are 3 Tacos on my road with 300K plus, none of which have had the diff replaced. (we compare notes at neighborhood bbq’s)

 

You can get a junkyard diff replaced for under 2k.