2005 Tacoma Rear Diff Leak - Carrier Gasket Replacement Help

Hello fellow Tacoma owners,


My name is Devon. I’ve got a 2005 Tacoma Prerunner, A/T (non-locking rear diff), V6, with almost 160k miles.


Recently I noticed some oil drips in the driveway and realized my rear diff is leaking. From what I can tell and what a local shop told me, appears the carrier gasket/seal is the likely cause. I know that the part itself is cheap https://parts.olathetoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-carrier-gasket-4218134011, but to replace it and the cost of labor the shop quoted me about $600 (maybe more). They mentioned it may be easier to replace my entire rear end with a lower mileage unit, but I don’t know that I see that as necessary when besides the leak the truck runs great.


I’ve worked on cars in the past before I got my truck and believe with the right tools and research I can replace this seal myself and save some money.


Forgive me if I missed it, but I wasn’t able to find a write-up on replacing that gasket/seal. I know I will need to lift the rear end, drain the diff, drop the driveshaft (mark its alignment) and I believe pull the axles out a few inches? Will the brakes need to be bled? Was hoping someone could point me in the right direction for a how-to on doing this myself.


Also if/when I attempt this, if there are any other seals you recommend replacing that are in that area and fairly easy to do during this job please recommend. I am getting in over my head on this, or should I dish out the money and have a shop replace it? Again I am not afraid to tackle this myself should I have good instruction on how to and get the necessary tools and materials.


Appreciate your time, opinions and help.


Thanks,

 

Did you ever figure this out??

 

If your truck does NOT have the E-Loker. You can skip those steps.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/step-by-step-removal-and-installation-of-e-locker-3rd-member.193828/

The key is prep work. Make sure the surface is clean before reinstalling the gasket.

 

You don't even need a gasket. Clean both surfaces and get some Right Stuff gasket maker. I did mine 10000 miles ago when I regeared with an ECGS unit with True-Trac and no leaks whatsoever.