924runnerSR5
New member
are there any post with pics on how to remove front and rear 3rd members.....cuzzz i cant find any 
3rd member removal...front and rear
- Thread starter 924runnerSR5
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cometobanks
New member
You gotta start with the lug nuts and work your way in.... I dont have any pics though....
924runnerSR5
New member
ahahok is it easy?? like im guesing u take out the axle shafts and then when u unbolt the 3rd members they just pull out?
fourwd1
Moderator
Pretty much yes.
remove wheels.
drain diff.
disconnect brake lines and e-brake cables.
remove 4 bolts on back side of axle tube at each wheel
pull axle shafts out.
remove diff bolts and pull diff.
Thurlo76
New member
thats the back, the front you just unbolt the crossmember that the diff is bolted to, and there are 12 bolts connecting the cv's then 4 on the drive line, then 2 big ones going up into the frame. make sure you have a jack there so it doesnt fall on u... dont ask how i know.....
On 2nd gens you'll have to unbolt the rear sway bar from the axle housing so you can lift over the diff. There's some how-to's on yotatech, it's a pretty straightforward task. The thing that has taken me the longest is separating the rear from the housing; often they're pretty darn tight.
4runner_kid
Senior Member
You forgot the driveshaft :rockthrow:
if your just pulling out the diff 3rd member... you should not have to disconnect the Ebrakes... they can stay connected to the backing plates, you only need to slide the axles out a few inches...
zombie
New member
If I were doing a quick re and re I wouldn't remove them, but I wouldn't want to leave them sitting on the seals too long.
fourwd1
Moderator
Correct, either pull them out or support them with jack stands.
fourwd1
Moderator
It would also be a good idea to make sure you can open the Fill plug before you drain the oil. If you drain it and can't open the fill....:toilet3:
I had to remove loosen the rear sway bar on the drivers side and have a friend hold it up and wiggled out the 3rd. It took some "tough love" to break loose from the housing.
Ruskymx
I had to remove loosen the rear sway bar on the drivers side and have a friend hold it up and wiggled out the 3rd. It took some "tough love" to break loose from the housing.
Ruskymx
