shimming rearend carrier

I have a 1995 Tacoma and Im about to replace the carrier in the rear end. Im new to any kind of rearend work and dont know if I have to shim the carrier or not. I have been told I do, but also told that I dont have to. Please help!

 

Gearinstalls.com

 

If this is your first time building a rear diff, then I would STRONGLY suggest that you have a friend help you that knows what they are doing already. Setting pinion depth, pinion bearing preload, side bearing preload, backlash, etc... is not something to be done alone on your first try. You can destroy a diff and/or a set of gears if you don't know what to do, and how to set everything. Do some reading and research before you even attempt to try. Better yet, buy a 3rd member from a junkyard and practice on it before you do the real thing.

 

Good advice.

 

If you are just replacing the carrier as a assembled unit with gears installed,,then it is a drop-in situation to the axle housing with no shims needed.

If your actually replacing the carrier that the rear end gears are bolted to,,then yes, it needs to be shimmed, checked for correct lash, checked again, ect. Not something the average joe can handle without years of experience of doing just that.

 

Agree with the above comments.

I've been wheeling and wrenching for 20 years, and do most work myself, but I'd never tackle gear boxes of any kind. I always use a local one-man shop (also a wheeler) who is possibly the best gear person in the county, and always take my diffs and transfers to him.

I've seen garage-built diffs on the trail that have exploded. If you wheel on trails that tow truck can't get to, its well worth the cost, and peace of mind, to know its been done right.

 

Manual transmissions are not so bad,,but you still have to think waaay ahead if you have never done one. Input shaft bearings are usually right there and separate away easily to be fixed if needed. Again,,and repeatedly,,it's not something to tackle by yourself if never done without prior experience or a knowledgeable buddy close by.

Ring gear work is a whole different animal that HAS to be precise to the hundred thousands of an inch. Delicate expensive surfaces slamming and sliding together,,and they are quite finicky about there lifestyle.

 

Thank you guys for all the advice. I am replacing the carrier as an assembled unit. So Im thinking there shouldnt be a problem with the install. Many people have told me to quit putting money into this truck and look into buying another vehicle but the truth is I like the truck. Its only a little two wheel drive and it has some front end damage but Im trying to fix it up as I go. It sat for over four years in my sisters barn. It has over 204,000 miles on it a still drives like a champ. The motor is clean and has no leaks. Ive replaced the upper ball joints and changed the oil. I also purchased a new grill and parking lights but have to do some body work before I put them on. The truck gets 20 mph so its worth dropping a little money now and then. Again, thanks for all the advice.

 

No worries, every Toyota is worth saving. They are easier to work on than many vehicles out there and they hold up to the money spent on them. The parts and vast knowledge base is right at your fingertips.

204K?,,it's just getting started on it's life. Just turned over 205K on my 99 yesterday, and it's not going anywhere soon.

Welcome to Tacoma World.

 

Can anyone tell me what years rearends are interchangeable for my 95 tacoma? Im going to replace the whole rearend but because of funds I have to get it from a pull your own part salvage yard. I havent been able to find this info anywhere. PLEASE HELP!

 

When you say 'rear end', I assume you are talking about the rear 'third member' or differential of a 4x4. If so, I'm pretty sure you can use the diffs from a T100, and 1st-gen Tundra. Of course, you'll have to be sure the gear ratio is the same as your front diff.

 

He's 2wd Rick. Made me re-read to make sure,,damn you!

Just curious as to why the whole rear axle assembly replace??,,as I think that's what you mean. Did it fail and seize Walter?.

 

The previous owner replaced the rear end but when i contacted him he doesnt know what it came out of or what year toyota for that matter. So im going to replace the whole thing because trying to buy parts is frustrating. If i replace it at least i know what i have. I want to find the newest one i can. That is why i need to know what years are interchangeable.