Arb air locker third member won't fit in my axle...help

[G_Raw]

I struggled all day with this thing. I have a pre built third member with 4.88 and an arb air locker in it. Once I pulled my stock setup apart to remove stock third it just slid right out. I then fought for hours trying to get the new 3rd member in and no luck. It is way to tight to fit. Anyone have issues installing their 3rd member with arb? Should it be this hard? It definately came labeled as toyota v6 8" 4.88 arb...

Of course given up at the end of the day I was pissed when I just slid my stock third right back in with no issues...

Something seems not right...Or am I crazy?

 

[VernySanders]

I struggled all day with this thing. I have a pre built third member with 4.88 and an arb air locker in it. Once I pulled my stock setup apart to remove stock third it just slid right out. I then fought for hours trying to get the new 3rd member in and no luck. It is way to tight to fit. Anyone have issues installing their 3rd member with arb? Should it be this hard? It definately came labeled as toyota v6 8" 4.88 arb...

Of course given up at the end of the day I was pissed when I just slid my stock third right back in with no issues...

Something seems not right...Or am I crazy?

Any pics? Look for marks on the unit to indicate where you may be hanging up. Also try taking sand paper and go around the housing where the diff is supposed to slide in. Make sure there are no burrs hanging you up. Sometimes its the smallest things.

 

[G_Raw]

I start bright and early in 12 hours... Will post photos before I really get going...

 

[rallypoint_1]

Is it a aftermarket 3rd member from ECGS?? If yes....the side adjuster wheels are hitting the side of the housing causing it not to slide in?? If that’s the issue..you NEED to grind out the sides of the housing so it goes in. Ask me how I know. It’s not a hack. I contacted EGCS and spoke to their engineer. It’s common with the aftermarket case. It will go in...I promise!!

 

[VernySanders]

Is it a aftermarket 3rd member from ECGS?? If yes....the side adjuster wheels are hitting the side of the housing causing it not to slide in?? If that’s the issue..you NEED to grind out the sides of the housing so it goes in. Ask me how I know. It’s not a hack. I contacted EGCS and spoke to their engineer. It’s common with the aftermarket case. It will go in...I promise!!

This sounds extremely logical. When I built diffs I saw a couple guys get a warranty for an issue similar, yet dissimilar to this same thing. First and foremost thats extremely unprofessional that an organization would continue to send out product that didn't even fit the application intended especially when they charge a million dollars to build a diff anyways. If you do any grinding better make sure you throw a towel inside the housing before hand to catch any shavings! Would suck to see brand new bearings shot due to contamination. I'd send it back and tell them to send me a product that works with a 3rd gen 4runner. When they say that one does, then tell them to go ahead and send you an axle housing that will work too. For free of course.

EDIT: This is the equivalent to something being "plug and play" but then you needing to re wire everything when it arrives, in my mind.

 

[G_Raw]

The sides of the third are contact the sides of the housing at the adjusters. Right at the edge of the axle input. Yes it is an after market. This one actually came from lowrange...trail gear?

 

[G_Raw]

Solved! It's in...sanding wheel to clear just enough to get the third member in.

 

[rallypoint_1]

Solved! It's in...sanding wheel to clear just enough to get the third member in.

Very good!! Be sure to follow that break in period to the tee. Your gears will thank you!!

 

[AntonioCm1983]

Appreciate the info doing front and rear Arb lockers on my 4th gen v8 both coming from ECGS 1780 for front diff and 1500 for rear 3rd member isn't bad If you price the front diff from Toyota its over 7 grand and Rear Is Over 9 grand so Upgraded diffs doe cheaper then the cost of one and has solid spacers which makes installing pinion seals a breeze without needing to set preload again is nice

Is it a aftermarket 3rd member from ECGS?? If yes....the side adjuster wheels are hitting the side of the housing causing it not to slide in?? If that’s the issue..you NEED to grind out the sides of the housing so it goes in. Ask me how I know. It’s not a hack. I contacted EGCS and spoke to their engineer. It’s common with the aftermarket case. It will go in...I promise!!