Earlier this weekend I was goofing off with the runner (99 SR5 V6) and I managed to pop off my "rear differential breather plug" according to my local Toyota mechanic. Well I went and picked up a new one just because he warned me I could have problems if I go through some heavy water soon and it was only a couple bucks anyway. So my question is, where exactly is the plug socket that I'm supposed to put the new one in? I'm sorry if I'm overlooking something completely simple but for now it's stumping me. Pictures are below. I included a picture of the old plug, new plug, and the rear diff so that you guys can tell me where it would go on my own car (makes life so much easier).

Also, I attached a picture of my muffler and it's pretty beat up. Any idea if I'm losing power from all the banging it has taken from off roading and how much longer it will last? And I'm under the assumption that the whole 3rd Gen exhaust system from the cat is just a bolt on/bolt off. Is there any place to buy an aftermarket matching exhaust system to match up? I was thinking of replacing the system with a Magnaflow 18" muffler with some bigger pipes but I can't seem to find a place that sells that! Thanks guys.

Attached Images

       

See the arrow mark?


And while you're at it why not do this mod?
4Runners.org - Type R Rear Differential

That muffler doesn't look that bad..But as long as there's no punctures or holes on that muffler, weld joints or along the line you shouldn't feel no power loss at all. Best way to check for exhaust leak is during the first start up while the engine is cold. Check under there and if smoke exits other than the tip...you'll see with the thicker smoke blowing.

What kind of wheeling do you do for that muffler to sustain that kind of beating anyway, geez?

Okay I see that area, just one question. I attached an image of my problem. That hose/line/whatever it is (....what is it? haha) is literally pushing against the old plug (well HALF of the old plug) and I don't want to have to use too much force on a line that I don't know what it is.

And as for the muffer, it's kind of rusted a bit on some parts of it, but I didn't think about doing that morning trick, I'm gonna try that out thanks! And as for beating up my muffler......there's no rock too big for my 4runner! But I guess that's probably why it's in poor condition. Any thoughts about where I can get a Magnaflow matching system?

Attached Images

   

That is your parking brake line, push and pull all you want. You can zip tie it out of the way a bit so it doesnt' push on the breather plug.

Okay thank you for clearing that up! Does my line look corroded or decaying to the point where it should be replaced?

Your lucky that you diff fluid didn't leak out, it would slowly when I took my clogged one off.

another trick for looking for exhause leaks is to use a plain white piece of paper. Hold it at one end and let the other end dangle. Move the paper along all the joins in the exhause or suspect spots. Look for movement in the paper--and hot exhaust gases will also discolor the paper. That is all of course if you can't feel them with your hand or see them with the cold start steam/smoke test.

your muffler looks fine to me though.