Rebuild rear diff?

Hi,

I have a 98 TRD 4x4 and the rear end has been very noisy for a long time now. Especially on decel, it howls and lately it's increased a lot.

I do all my own repairs but a diff rebuild is not something I'd like to tackle. I'm not changing the gear ratios.

Even though the Toyota diffs are self contained so to speak, I don't see that you can walk into an auto parts store and order a rebuilt diff. So I asked around and in San Jose, CA many recommend Superior 4 Wheel Drive in San Jose. I plan on pulling the 3rd member myself to save a few dollars.

Is this a good way to go for a stock rebuild?

Thanks

 

Although across the country, I would do a price check: Dealer VS Performance shop VS Catalogs. Being that it's a TRD, the locker rear end needs to be correct in gear ratio and electrics, you might have to buy the whole unit. I would buy the whole unit regardless, in case of a mishap, the warranty should be a little more cut and dry.

 

Maybe check the local salvage yards for a used one. I`m not sure how the axles are retained but I think the third members pull out and could just be swapped. Like jedi said you would have to have a like for like part.

 

One more thing, I would make certain its the diff. and not a u-joint or carrier bearing or somthing else.

 

When it first started happening, several years ago, it mainly made noise on deceleration only (truck coasting in gear). Also, there is no noise change with gear selection so it's not the tranny (unless it's output bearing). I changed the driveshaft center bearing but no change.

Lately it has started making noise during acceleration also. I have heard the decel noise is a dead giveway for a gear lash problem.

I think this a new dealer price -

Carrier assy, tacoma, 4wd, w/differential lock 96-04 $1,241.56 $893.92 Order By Gear Ratio.


but I don't think a remanufactured is much less.

I know the aftermarket rebuild kit is about $150 and then there's a gear setup labor charge. Hpefully the gears are OK.


BTW, has anyone ever noticed that the 96-98 or so Tacomas have a lot more interior noise than the 2000-2004 Tacomas? I have ridden in a 2000+ a couple of times and it's like a caddy compared to mine. It could be that I just have a noisy drivetrain from the getgo (bought truck new) but I suspect they added some additional sound deadener around 2000 or so. I'm almost certain the Limited got exra sound deadner even in 2000. Oh well, it's a truck, right?

 

Yeah it's a truck, sounds like a good price.