New rear end for 98 TRD

Hello,

I'm new to the forum. I'm hoping someone can give me some helpful info regarding my 98 V6 3.4L Tacoma TRD. I had some rear end troubles in Jan 09 and had my rear gear /carrier assembly / dif replaced (possible part # 41110-35860, according to invoice). The dealer said that it was due to a worn rear wheel bearing and the stress it put on the gear assembly.

Driving home from work two weeks ago I heard a clunk and then lost all power to the rear. I made it to a Toyo dealer (a different dealer than the one that did the last rear end). They told me that my rear end was most likely blown again - said I had a rear e-brake sticking and it probably put stress on the gear assembly. They wanted more money to open up the case to be sure, and I couldn't afford it. They gave me an estimate of nearly $3,000 to replace the carrier - again, couldn't afford it,... I had the truck towed from the dealer.

Okay, those are the facts I know. Here are my questions.

Q#1. Is it possible that this brake issue really caused the rear end to fail? I mean, I just put $2,400 into a new assy last year. I feal like I should have some recourse with the dealer that installed it. Opinions?

Q#2 As a back up plan, I'm looking for a used rear end and a friend may have found one for me. How do I know if this rear end is a match? I did some research on-line and found some unclear info about gearing codes. According to my sticker, my code is B03A/R150F. Also, does anyone know of a good source for a used rear end in case this one falls through? I did a bunch of searches and it seems like there are none out there.

Q#3 As a back up to the back up, I'm considering saving up for and purchasing the assembly and attempting to install it myself (with gear head friends - though with no experience on this type of work). I have done other auto / truck work, but never anything like this. Is this something I could do? Is it recommended? Times are tight need to save money any way possible.

Any helpful comments appreciated!

Thanks,

OMW

 

As said above -- I was under the impression that all work done by dealers had at least 1 year warranty if not more on parts and labor.

Check it out -- it should be listed on the invoice or just call up service. Don't tell them about your problem just ask like you are wanting to have them do a job. I wouldn't put it past some dealers to do anything to get out of a problem they created.