Look what I found on my rear diff drain plug

looks like youre getting new gears for christmas

 

Yeah, that's not supposed to be there.

 

1st gen? How many miles?

 

05 4.0 non trd 6 speed.
I'm assuming it's from an axle seal

 

Sorry. Saw '01 TRD. Threw me off

 

There little peices of springs. I'm guessing from the axle seal since iv noticed a bit of oil
In the rear right rim

 

time to change both sides, no sense in doing just one.

 

They do have that look of the lip seal. That or something like a limited slip or Aussie locker went bang.

 

That’s what I was thinking they looked like, little springs.

 

that would make me worried

 

lol, me too!

 

It's an open diff . How involved are these seals? Someone quoted me 600 a side Canadian

 

That person is not your friend. Prolly get that done for 50 to 75 each side here in Atlanta parts and labor. You do need to replace both seals.

 

Are those worm gears?

 

It's kind of a PITA but not really a super technical repair. You have to pull the axles completely out, which means removing the drums and shoes, disconnecting the hydraulic lines and parking brake cables. Seems kind of high but it's a fair amount of work since you have drain and refill gear lube, bleed the brakes. It's something you could do yourself if you have a Saturday and maybe a buddy to help.

 

Looks like a pain in the ass. Any bearings that should be replaced at the same time?

 

it really is not that bad of a job, you can change the bearings if you want to depending on how you feel about it and miles on the truck. The job would be easier with a lift. Inside out of the cold.

 

I agree with @tomtom, bearings depends on miles/km and condition. When you pull the axle you can assess the bearing but if it's never been done on a 2001 I'd expect to do it.

The inner axle seal isn't a bad job but replacing the bearings and outer seal is a step up in pain and you'll need a press. Still probably not worth $1,200 but getting closer.

BTW, I put the 2003 FSM pages, the ones I posted earlier are for 2005+.

 

The truck is a 2005