Millenium Falcon Taco Build

I'm enjoying your build very much. Great attention to detail. I'm in a similar boat with my Taco, restoring it as a winter project. Keep up the great work and keep the posts coming!

 

So, a bit of an update.
Pretty cranky here.
1. I've replaced both font axle seals and the passengers side axle seal is leaking profusely, you can sit there and watch it drip out just sitting in the shop.
2. I've done the front diff drivers side axle needle bearing replacement with the ECGS Bushing and the front end vibration is still there as fierce as ever. I can get under the truck and push up on the axle right next to where it enters the front diff and there is the same amount of play in the axle as there was before the bushing was installed.
I can even rock the truck from side to side by pushing on the driver front tire and that axle clunks as it did before the replacement.
3. I've replaced the rear diff pinion seal and it is still leaking also.

Really disappointed in all of this and I was contemplating giving up. Seems silly I know but the fundamental things need to be solid for me to continue improving this truck. So much money and time invested and these things are not helping me feel that I've progressed with some serious issues that the truck has.

 

Hear are some pictures of the new and old parts.
I had found a pretty stripped bolt in the bottom of the passenger side strut.

I replaced the rear diff pinion U Joint as there was some play in it.

 

Installation Reference Followed
If you look at the pictures in the next post you'll see the rust build up that I tried to clean up with a scotch bright pad and then sand paper. After looking at these pictures I noticed a smooth surface was not achieved. The outside of the seal is just steel so if both surfaces are not tight I think that may be why the leak is happening. I will have to pick up another seal and remove the one I just put in and do a better job cleaning up the surface and reinstall it.

 

After looking at the directions for the Passenger axle seal I only installed it flush not resecced 5.5mm as the attachment shows.

 

So thanks for all your help everyone, just leave me alone with my thoughts and I'll come up with another plan of attack.
lol

 

A JY third would be a good thing to pick up. Pull it, swap it, disassemble and clean the current one. then you'll have a good spare. Toyota didn't change much in the axles through the years, and if you can find a decent clean one, it should be relatively cheap. After buying multiple seals and accounting for your time, it may be the better value.

 

Thank you for the suggestion!
What is a JY third?

 

junkyard third member, pull it from a truck that looks relatively well maintained obviously

 

Don't get too down. Remember all the time & effort, and resulting progress, that's gotten you to where you are. It may not be quite where you'd like to be, but you've accomplished a lot. It's just another small problem to solve. You'll figure it out, potentially with some know-how from this community.

 

I will contact him and see what he says!
Thank you for the pointer

 

Ok, I will hunt around!
Thank you

 

Thank for the encouragement!

 

So I pulled the passenger side apart and tapped the seal
In a bit further and put everything back together. After lowering the truck off the stand and letting it sit it is back to leaking.
I will see what more research comes up with.

 

I didn't read through this entire thread but I do see something that I have seen many times before that you have not mentioned checking on the rear diff and front diff issue. If you have already replaced and/or inspected these just let me know.

Front diff CV shaft excessive play and movement: Have you checked the inner CV joint for wear and/or damage? Have you replaced the CV axle itself, or swapped left to right sides to see if the play/movement changed locations?

Rear diff pinion seal leaking: Have you inspected the yoke itself for rust and/or wear? The yoke is the part that goes over the pinion and is what the driveshaft itself bolts to. I have MANY times seen a worn or scuffed yoke simply cut or tear a new seal within a couple of miles.

 

Thank you for your suggestions and getting involved, much appreciated!

To answer your questions:

I have not swapped the axles from the passengers side to the drivers. The drivers side axle was replaced with a new, not refurbished one, shortly after I purchased the truck. It was run with the old needle bearing, and thus vibration, for probably over 5000kms before the bushing went in.

I inspected the rear pinion yoke as my research said that there may be a ridge that builds up, it was smooth and did not seem to need any attention with emery cloth.

I'm happy to check anything out you may suggest.

 

with 5000km on a CV shaft with a vibration and bad needle bearings, I would inspect that to be sure it hasn't been damaged or scored. Then I would take a look inside the diff while you have the CV shaft out and see if the carrier bearings or spider gears have any abnormal movement in them. Also check backlash on the front diff.

 

Ok, I did not know how long it would take to ruin something but it really feels like there is play in things there shouldn't be even without taking it apart. I will check the condition of the axle where it enters the diff and check the carrier bearing and spider gears.
Thank you again BamaToy1997!

 

So...I've aquired a parts truck...