3rd member rebuild?

[CVELD77]

Anybody rebuild the 3rd member. I have some bearing/gear noise coming from back there. Looking to pull the 3rd member out my self and have a shop replace what ever is necessary heard it can get expensive if I need gears. hoping I just need some bearings

 

[nissanh]

Can't you find a used read diff?
If you can pull the rear difff out, you should be able to at least get the two bearings holding the ring gear part. The tough part is to get the proper backlash. Improper mounting can cause an annoying sound all the time it spins and never gets away. So be ready to get it done right else, it is a pain.

You can easily pull the 3rd member out and inspect the gears and bearings WITHOUT removing any internal parts. If you notice bad bearings then find a good used one from a junk yard. Pull one by yourself and check all components before purchase.

 

[Konkordmusk]

Can you be specific on what kind of noise you're hearing?

I've rebuilt my own diff and have done diff repair for some customers before.

5.29 install...

 

[CVELD77]

Sounds like a bearing noise on slow decel, noise kind of goes away when you accelerate and gets loud when you let off the gas. Talk to a gear shop said this sounds like a bearing that went bad and now causing un even wear on the rear end gears that's why the sound is different from accel to decel. sound about right to you

 

[Konkordmusk]

Sounds like a bearing noise on slow decel, noise kind of goes away when you accelerate and gets loud when you let off the gas. Talk to a gear shop said this sounds like a bearing that went bad and now causing un even wear on the rear end gears that's why the sound is different from accel to decel. sound about right to you

Sounds like the pinion bearing. It is also a symptom of improper pinion bearing preload but since you haven't had the gears serviced recently, I wouldn't think that that would be it.
If it is the pinion bearings, unless you have access to specific tools for setting up differentials, you're better off having a shop refresh the bearings. An even better option is to find a used third member.

 

[CVELD77]

Sounds like the pinion bearing. It is also a symptom of improper pinion bearing preload but since you haven't had the gears serviced recently, I wouldn't think that that would be it.
If it is the pinion bearings, unless you have access to specific tools for setting up differentials, you're better off having a shop refresh the bearings. An even better option is to find a used third member.

Isnt it kind of a waste of money to find a used one that could do the samething down the road? what do you think the labor is to press on some new pinion bearings? is it one bearing or 2 on the pinion and is there anything else to replace while I am in there?

 

[JayRolla]

Isnt it kind of a waste of money to find a used one that could do the samething down the road? what do you think the labor is to press on some new pinion bearings? is it one bearing or 2 on the pinion and is there anything else to replace while I am in there?

No not really when you can get them pretty cheap and they dont fail that often. NTM way less labor. Only reason I would rebuild is if I was going to regear or it was only option since finding matching gear sets can be a PITA when looking used.

 

[Doc2012]

Isnt it kind of a waste of money to find a used one that could do the samething down the road? what do you think the labor is to press on some new pinion bearings? is it one bearing or 2 on the pinion and is there anything else to replace while I am in there?

There's some different options you can do here.

1) Get a used 3rd, though you've already stated the worry about that.

2) Rebuild the 3rd, and get a solid spacer. This way you can set the prload and not have to worry the spacer going bad.

3) Call ECGS, and have them send you a 3rd built the way you want it. Gears, locker, whatever you want. You can also get an E-locker from them, and modify your housing to have that fit.


I don't know how much off-roading you do, but if you're rebuilding, you minus well gear it while its all apart, and add a locker if you want.

 

[KidVermicious]

Isnt it kind of a waste of money to find a used one that could do the samething down the road?

Not in this case. A used third should run you around $150 and they're a breeze to swap out. If you decide to rebuild you're looking at around $400 just for gears and a bearing kit, depending on brand, and most shops will want at least $250 in labor.

 

[Spunky1]

I have the same exact problem. What did you end up doing to fix this problem? Did you run into any issues during the repair? Cost? Time? I am thinking about pulling one from the salvage yard if I can find one.

 

[Dropzone]

I added lockers to both my diffs (8") using write ups by Zuk on Gear Install Harrop

You can also ship your Diff to him and he will do the set up for you.

As far as doing the swap
Put truck on jack stands
drain diff fluid
remove the d/s bolts at pinion
undo brake hard line
remove the 4 bolts on each side
E-Brake Cable
Pull the axle shaft all the way out, don't let it rest on the axle seal, you will have problems with a leak down the road
remove the 10 or 12 nuts that hold the 3rd member in
swap thirds ...

 

[Spunky1]

Thanks Dropzone! I will try to remember to update on here after I get this one.

 

[AL B.]

Are all no locking 4.10’s the same from any year 3rd gen? I have a 2001 Ltd 4WD to be specific.

 

[3bears]

I will have to add to this,...about the statements that..... just get a used one...makes it sound easy
around my part of the woods, wont happen
not many 4runners being parted out, and if they are, the pumpkins go pretty early
id really look at cost for a junker if you can find it and compare to getting yours rebuilt