Differential needs replacement? Cost?
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004Gunner
New member
Is it the entire differential being replaced with a salvaged one? If so then this sounds about right assuming you do not have the rear diff lock. A used rear with the diff lock alone is over a $1000. What is the parts cost for shocks? $640 all around is too much imo. Also, what is the reason for the diff replacement?
Martinjmpr
New member
Sounds excessive. Can't you put in an ARB locker for about that price?
Also the shock prices sound outrageous. You can get a whole OME lift kit for that price, shocks and springs.
Also the shock prices sound outrageous. You can get a whole OME lift kit for that price, shocks and springs.
Pikeman
New member
New gears $185 average, Set-up kit (bearings and seals $110 average) that is 300 in parts so he wants 1000 in labor. On Marlincrawler or Inchworm you can order a complete 3rd member with ARB in whatever gear ratio for $1495.00 or complete Open differential for $700. Install is not that hard since it is a removable 3rd. The shock price if it includes labor is in the ball park for average Monroe or KYB shocks. 50 ea per rear (100) and about 75-100 ea front (150-200) and 320 labor.
pc_tech_ohio
New member
When I first got my 01 sr5 I bought 4 bilstein shocks online for $160 I think and a mechanic charged me $60 to put them on. My 4Runner is in the shop now for a 100,000 mile check up. I needed a new cat back exhaust (rust) and I also used epoxy to patch the rear differential housing because it had a pin hole leak from rusting through. I don't know how long that will last. Leak in the radiator too and the front brake pads finally went. I've also had to replace the rear bumper with an after market because of...RUST. Yeah, I live in Ohio and the car is 8 years old but the amount of rust shocks me. There's an article in yahoo today saying "WASHINGTON – Toyota Motor Corp. will recall 110,000 Tundra trucks from the 2000-2003 model years to address excessive rust on the vehicle's frame."
I know the 4Runner is more of a Tacoma but still....
I know the 4Runner is more of a Tacoma but still....
Cambo
New member
Yeah that sounds like WAY too much!! When he says differential I am sure it is something in the third member only. You can buy open, used thirds for as low as 80 bucks. Of course they have to match your gearing, but they are out there and it is super easy to replace yourself. As far as shocks you can get some good ones like Fox or I saw some SAWs recently for 300 bucks and you can rebuild those if they ever go bad. Replacing the rears is a breeze, but the fronts are a pain in the arse. Don't let this guy steal your money, time to upgrade!!!
The details on the estimate are:
2x KG9025 shock absorber - $224
2x KG54317 shock absorber - $137
Shock install labor: $260
Differential (from salvage vehicle) - $950
3qt gear Oil - $20
Diff install labor - $260
The $950 sounds a little excessive considering I don't have a locker.
Aren't shocks something I can order online and have any shop put in?
2x KG9025 shock absorber - $224
2x KG54317 shock absorber - $137
Shock install labor: $260
Differential (from salvage vehicle) - $950
3qt gear Oil - $20
Diff install labor - $260
The $950 sounds a little excessive considering I don't have a locker.
Aren't shocks something I can order online and have any shop put in?
Pikeman
New member
Do you know what gear ratio you have? Yes teh 950 for a 3rd member from a salvaged vehicle is excessive. Originator of Rock Crawling (since 1994) | Marlin Crawler, Inc. or Inchworm Gear - Toyota Rockcrawling Equipment Randy's Ring & Pinion. The Differential Experts. Auto Parts & Services. all three of those sell complete NEW 3rd members not used for less then what you are being quoted for a used salvage one.
bgmac
New member
You can get a complete set of new Tokico ( OEM Upgrade shocks) for $235 shipped.TOKICO SHOCKS TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4WD 96 - 02:eBay Motors (item 400086085036 end time Nov-27-09 11:46:42 PST)
$100 give or take for install
If you call around to local salvage yards or even check craigs list in you area, you should be able the get a used diff for $250 or less and maybe another $100 give or take to install. Which brings you total to ruffly $700. I just saved you $1200!!
98OzarksRunner
New member
My previous 4Runner (98) had the diff go out and the prior owner had a Detroit (Eaton) TrueTrac put in, I'm assuming because it was cheaper than the Toyota diff. I think they're about $450, but you get LSD. With labor and setup, I'd guess you could get it done by a shop for probably $800-1000. Aussie lockers are cheaper but not as good for daily drivers. (When I bought the 2002, I swapped them before I sold the 98.)
KidVermicious
New member
What's being replaced? Just the ring and pinion?
There's no way in heaven or hell it's $2,500 for just ring and pinion.
......Right? That sounds too high if that was the only job on it.
Buckaroo
Member
So...the first question is why we think we have diff issues - is it the front or rear? If rear is it open or is it a locker? Is it ring/pinion or is it bearings?
Replaced both pinion bearings and side bearings in my rear open diff at ~220,000 miles using Toyota parts. R&R'd the third member myself and had it rebuilt by bearing shop that knew what they were doing and had the right tools - total cost: ~$455
Replaced front & back shocks w/ KYB's and front shock mounts doing it myself for $300 parts only. If I would have had that job done, I think I would have paid about $770 so your price of $620 doesn't sound bad.
Bottom line - these third gen T4R's are aging and need a lot of work. I couldn't afford to own this truck at this point if I had to pay somebody to do the work but I bought it new and it is a labor of love as well as a bit of an experiment to see how long it will last. If you don't have the tools and/or can't do the work yourself, I recommend you sell it.
Buckaroo
Replaced both pinion bearings and side bearings in my rear open diff at ~220,000 miles using Toyota parts. R&R'd the third member myself and had it rebuilt by bearing shop that knew what they were doing and had the right tools - total cost: ~$455
Replaced front & back shocks w/ KYB's and front shock mounts doing it myself for $300 parts only. If I would have had that job done, I think I would have paid about $770 so your price of $620 doesn't sound bad.
Bottom line - these third gen T4R's are aging and need a lot of work. I couldn't afford to own this truck at this point if I had to pay somebody to do the work but I bought it new and it is a labor of love as well as a bit of an experiment to see how long it will last. If you don't have the tools and/or can't do the work yourself, I recommend you sell it.
Buckaroo
carmac1125
New member
Differential Mechanic - Recommendations Near Washington DC
I just heard from my mechanic that I will need a new differential as the gears are grinding. I live in Washington, DC and am wondering if anyone can recommend a good shop for a second opinion. Since the differential is still working, I have some time to do get a few estimates before having the work completed.... I also want to ensure that I need to replace the entire differential and cannot just replace certain parts. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
I just heard from my mechanic that I will need a new differential as the gears are grinding. I live in Washington, DC and am wondering if anyone can recommend a good shop for a second opinion. Since the differential is still working, I have some time to do get a few estimates before having the work completed.... I also want to ensure that I need to replace the entire differential and cannot just replace certain parts. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
When I lived in DC I always took my cars to Currys Auto. They not cheap but they always do it right.
As for rebuild vs replace, I think nearly all shops will say replace with a gently used one because it's far easier for them,at least that's what I found. Rebuilt is better, and East Coast Gear Supply will send you a rebuilt unit for around $650 plus core deposit. Your shop may charge just as much to install however, at least that's what I discovered too. Look around for a good honest mechanic or make friends with someone who has lots of tools.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
As for rebuild vs replace, I think nearly all shops will say replace with a gently used one because it's far easier for them,at least that's what I found. Rebuilt is better, and East Coast Gear Supply will send you a rebuilt unit for around $650 plus core deposit. Your shop may charge just as much to install however, at least that's what I discovered too. Look around for a good honest mechanic or make friends with someone who has lots of tools.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
Rock_Rat
Senior Member
Fully assembled thirds from ECGS. One of the best around. Just send them the core. Here's a link:
ASSEMBLED 3rds & Clamshells - 96-02 4 Runner
ASSEMBLED 3rds & Clamshells - 96-02 4 Runner