Rear seal leak differential 96 Toyota Tacoma four-wheel-drive

Just bought a 1996 Toyota Tacoma ring good for will drive all good front in tight test drove it good I noticed a little gear oil coming out the rear differential but the guy said he just pressure washed it and he topped it off could've overfilled it I'm a dumbass anyway I bought it driving down the highway got about 30 miles it was raining had somebody following me who's rain missed quite pretty bad to make it short he's my buddy said I think you got smoke coming from the rear end or something you need to stop I stopped front seal on rear differential leaking bad very very hot on the interstate I could do was go get Morgan oil and try to get home another 10 miles put new gear oil in heavy vibration and we're in now could it be just the front bearing on the differential or do you think it shot I know it's the seal and probably the bearing to any help would be appreciated JF

 

I think I understand what you tried to say, and I also think it needs to go to a pro shop for diagnosis.

 

I need to edit that last post I should've read it better it ran good and tight 4 wheel drive good it was raining there was a lot of rain mist from the road could not tell it was smoke at the time but my friend said better pull over something smoking in the back looks like the rear end pulled over went and got more gear oil filled it up started to leave got up to about 35-45 moderate to heavy vibration. Got off the interstate and got on the side roads limped it home slowly haven't even messed with it yet, could it be just the front bearing at the yolk and the seal or do you think the whole thing a shot ,didn't mean the interstate was hot meant the differential specially the yoke area was very hot smoking out the front seal it dripped out about a basketball size puddle sitting still there so there was (something) in there.It was a very small amount of Metal shavings on the plug .lLike I said any help would be appreciated

 

I don't have quite a lot of money in this too much now but if I take it to the pro shop probably cost as much is the truck .

 

Rear-end needs to be rebuilt or replaced. It's junk. Sounds like the pinion bearing is toast. That amount of driving on a bearing that bad will ruin the gears. Find a used one with matching gear ratio.

 

Agreed on all points.

Find a used 3rd member

 

look on the bright side, now you can get a locker!

 

yep, was just returning to recommend what @mechanicjon already posted.

You might find that installing an entire unit, axles and all, to be the easiest plan.

 

Thanks for the replies from everyone ,it already had a locker in it is there any parts do you think I should save?.I guess I'll get it tore down see what's left get to use during somewhere already tried the junkyards around here not a whole lot available any ideas or good online places to check thanks again

 

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Bummer. It will be harder to find a replacement locker with the correct gearing but it can be done.