1" diff drop Q's

Q

Quickspool

New member
Was wondering if someone could tell me;

A. The length of bolts
B. The actual width of spacers

Going to make my own since I have the stock to build the spacers and a vast array of bolts(just want to make sure I actually have correct length). I ask if the width of the spacers is an actual 1" or is it referring to the actual drop at axle centerline? Which would make the spacer have to be wider than 1".
 
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Quickspool said:
Was wondering if someone could tell me;

A. The length of bolts
B. The actual width of spacers

Going to make my own since I have the stock to build the spacers and a vast array of bolts(just want to make sure I actually have correct length). I ask if the width of the spacers is an actual 1" or is it referring to the actual drop at axle centerline? Which would make the spacer have to be wider than 1".
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Don't bother with a diff drop. There seems to be more harm than good. Many of us have no problems with our CV shafts even when off roading with a lot of articulation and torque. This is my opinion.
 
AZTOY said:
Don't bother with a diff drop. There seems to be more harm than good. Many of us have no problems with our CV shafts even when off roading with a lot of articulation and torque. This is my opinion.
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Just to be clear though I'll be running a 3" lift(possibly slightly higher due to experimentation). Not quite clear what size lift your using Aztoy? I had the impretion that it was kinda mandatory when going that high? I better do some more research. Thanks.
 
Quickspool said:
Just to be clear though I'll be running a 3" lift(possibly slightly higher due to experimentation). Not quite clear what size lift your using Aztoy? I had the impretion that it was kinda mandatory when going that high? I better do some more research. Thanks.
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If you are going over three inches than you may want it. But it there is a lot of debate on both sides of the diff drop issue. Do some research about it and make the decision that makes sense to you. Opponents say it can change where the fluids sit in the diff and cause failure. Good luck.
 
AZTOY said:
If you are going over three inches than you may want it. But it there is a lot of debate on both sides of the diff drop issue. Do some research about it and make the decision that makes sense to you. Opponents say it can change where the fluids sit in the diff and cause failure. Good luck.
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Just curious, but do you have any proof of a diff drop causing changes in the way fluid sits to create a failure???
 
Forrrrest said:
Just curious, but do you have any proof of a diff drop causing changes in the way fluid sits to create a failure???
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Proof? No. I never said it is a proven problem. What I did say is opponents to the diff drop say that. I have read many, many, many threads regarding diff drop debates. I have heard people say that the diff drop only drops the front part of the diff and leaves the diff at an angle. I have also read threads where peoples diffs failed and some people blamed the diff drop. Do a search or make a thread and ask for opinions. There are many people that have their beliefs on both sides.
 
Ok so then it is all just here say? I will be installing one when i get my lift which I have everything. Springs are just on b/o. I will look at the angle of my diff when I drop it. I dont see how it would lower only the front though? Seeing how the drive shaft is on a slip yoke so it will have room to adjust downwards as well?
 
Forrrrest said:
Ok so then it is all just here say? I will be installing one when i get my lift which I have everything. Springs are just on b/o. I will look at the angle of my diff when I drop it. I dont see how it would lower only the front though? Seeing how the drive shaft is on a slip yoke so it will have room to adjust downwards as well?
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Do a search on this site or google for this site regarding 3rd gen 4runners diff drop. You will see many discussions from knowledgeable members. It is a personal decision for each of us to make based on research. I chose not to install.
 
I have been for awhile, I have just never seen anything about fluid sitting differently or a differential drop causing a failure. So you have me curious. I just like facts to back up what is being stated. Not just opinions
 
Forrrrest said:
I have been for awhile, I have just never seen anything about fluid sitting differently or a differential drop causing a failure. So you have me curious. I just like facts to back up what is being stated. Not just
opinions
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Here is a fact.

The diff drop is not a diff drop, it's a s diff droop. Lowering the front of the diff only lowers the the half shafts 3/8 of an inch.

Other facts. The front diff is oiled using a splash system, with oil level siting right at the bottom of the rear pinion bearing.

1 When your lower your front diff, the rear pinon bearing is running dry.

2 When you check or change your diff oil. The Oil fill is sitting lower then stock and you are actually putting in less oil then the factory specs.

Now for opinions

Anytime that lift is done and changes the regular working angle of the cv boots, some thing will happen. Stretching and articulation of 15 year rubber will do something.

If you can prevent the bellows of the boot from touching or rubbing on them selves, you can improve the life of the boot. Google "streching 4runner Boots".

Getting tighter clamps can help with grease leakage.



My Oppinion. Lowering 3/8 of an inch not worth the loss of the front diff.

There has been about 4 front diff failures throgh out the last year and every single one of the had a diff drop.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/132385-front-diff-carnage.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/134632-wow-front-diff-carnage.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/100633-used-front-differential.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/133826-diff-carnage.html
 
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^^^^^^seee now thats what I am talking about! Thank you for that. Good insight, I'm going to be running toytechs eibach springs. I'm going to take measurements with and w/o the diff drop if its really only 3/8ths it is not even worth the 40 bucks.
 
Forrrrest said:
^^^^^^seee now thats what I am talking about! Thank you for that. Good insight, I'm going to be running toytechs eibach springs. I'm going to take measurements with and w/o the diff drop if its really only 3/8ths it is not even worth the 40 bucks.
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Yup....next time don't doubt me. I don't spew off stuff I have not researched thoroughly or dealt with directly. But I am not going to do your research for you.
 
AZTOY said:
Yup....next time don't doubt me. I don't spew off stuff I have not researched thoroughly or dealt with directly. But I am not going to do your research for you.
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Everybody has been so defensive lately!!!! I was not doubting you at all, I just like to here facts and proven faults to a product. That is all. not just "don't do it, not worth it. It will fail" supporting facts are always best.
 
Awesome info and good insight on the fluid level. I'm guessing it would cause the diff to fail from hi speed level cruising. When offroading there would be multiple times the pinion would starve "drooped" or not. I'll put it on the hoist and see what I can do to do a "complete" diff drop. I would also use a Lucas additive to help. Maybe add a little extra through diff vent. I'm just worried I'll end up with close to a 4" lift. Gonna find the factory ground clearance. Mine has 350k on it so I know it ain't what it was new.
 
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