Do different 4runners have different size rear axle shafts?

H

hpctoy

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I've got a 96 4runner, limited 4x4 w/V6. The left rear oil seal was leaking, so I replaced just the oil seal about 6 mos ago, but it still leaked. So I figured I needed to replace the bearing. I took it into a shop and they pulled the bearing off and informed that there was a BIG gash in the axle, right where the axle seal fits. It appears someone had cut an axle seal off in the past with a torch or grinder and got carried away. Anyway, the shop says I need a new axle because any oil will leak through this gash (if you've taken these apart, the gash is just inboard of the slot for the bearing keeper).

So, I order a new axle kit from Napa (axle, bearing, axle seal, for $275.00). The axle shows up and it turns out it's different from the old one. Napa tells me that there are two different axles for the 4runner, a common one (the one Napa sold me) and an unusual one (the one I've got, that no one makes).

Has anyone ran into two different size axles, or is Napa just giving me the run around because they sent me the wrong axle?

Thanks for any help or ideas.
 
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I was just speaking with a local independent mechanic that specializes in Japanese auto repair and I asked about what problem he sees with 4Runners. He said the biggest thing he sees is bent rear axles. He said Toyota offers an upgraded rear axle that is heavier and uses different seals and stuff.

Sorry I don't know more, but that might explain a difference
 
I think mine maybe bent. I will replace a seal and then a few months down the road one or the other seal will start to leak again. I have changed the bearings, seals, and diff breather. But it keeps happening. I even changed one axle shaft from a junkyard 4runner from one of my old shafts that was bent badly. Are the chromo shafts that marlin crawler sells better than the Toyota upgraded shafts? Does anyone have part #s for the upgraded parts?
 
I spoke to the parts guy at a local dealer who actually knew his stuff. Teamallen was right, the original axle was upgraded by Toyota to an axle with a larger collar and different bearing. If you've got the original axle, looks like you need a different "cup" that bolts to the brake backing plate (to accept the larger collar) (about $80), plus a different rubber seal (larger seal to go over the larger collar), plus the upgraded bearing.

I tried Marlin Crawler, since their prices were so good, but they informed that if you use their 4runner axles, you will need to buy an "abs delete" if your runner has abs, and the abs will no longer work. Since I drive mostly on road, I want to keep my abs, so Marlin Crawlers axle won't work for me.

I'm supposed to get the Napa part this afternoon. If it's the upgraded axle with the correct bearing, then I'll just buy the upgraded collar and rubber seal from Toyota and have it all pressed together and hope that this solves my axle grease on the rear brakes problem.

If the Napa part doesn't work, i'll try to find another 4wd retailer in hopes they've got after market axles that work with abs (the toyota part is about $800).
 
hpctoy said:
I tried Marlin Crawler, since their prices were so good, but they informed that if you use their 4runner axles, you will need to buy an "abs delete" if your runner has abs, and the abs will no longer work. Since I drive mostly on road, I want to keep my abs, so Marlin Crawlers axle won't work for me.
Click to expand...
Why can't you just install the ABS sensor ring (looks kinda like a gear) onto the Marlin Crawler axle? I would look into this further b4 taking their word at face value. IIRC, the ABS ring fits over the axle at the same place the seal ring goes (same diameter).
 
hpctoy said:
I spoke to the parts guy at a local dealer who actually knew his stuff. Teamallen was right, the original axle was upgraded by Toyota to an axle with a larger collar and different bearing. If you've got the original axle, looks like you need a different "cup" that bolts to the brake backing plate (to accept the larger collar) (about $80), plus a different rubber seal (larger seal to go over the larger collar), plus the upgraded bearing.

I tried Marlin Crawler, since their prices were so good, but they informed that if you use their 4runner axles, you will need to buy an "abs delete" if your runner has abs, and the abs will no longer work. Since I drive mostly on road, I want to keep my abs, so Marlin Crawlers axle won't work for me.

I'm supposed to get the Napa part this afternoon. If it's the upgraded axle with the correct bearing, then I'll just buy the upgraded collar and rubber seal from Toyota and have it all pressed together and hope that this solves my axle grease on the rear brakes problem.

If the Napa part doesn't work, i'll try to find another 4wd retailer in hopes they've got after market axles that work with abs (the toyota part is about $800).
Click to expand...
So your saying in order to upgrade you axle, one will need a:
-Cup to adapt backing plate to seal correctly on axle housing
-New larger collar
-New bearing assembly
-New larger seal

Is that correct? It would be great if we could get part #s for that.
Will be interesting to see if the NAPA shaft is similar to the upgraded Toyota shaft.

I'm going to call Marlin Crawler and see if they think it is possible to use a ABS ring in place of their ABS delete ring, as I'd really like to keep my ABS.
 
I talked to them and the guy said he didn't know if you could press a abs ring on the axle or not. He said there "abs delete rings" are 50 bucks for a pair though. I don't want to have to pay to lose my abs capability lol!
 
There should be absolutely NO reason why you can't put the ABS ring on there if the standard seal collar fits, unless the diameter changes outboard of where the seal ring goes. I'd ask them to measure the diameter in that area and see.

I'm wondering if the "ABS delete rings" are aimed at the target market normally buying their axles who don't want the ABS to function offroad, and maybe they just don't realize that the standard ABS rings will fit?
 
When I did my bearing job the dealership sold me the wrong parts...the larger size. When I found out they didn't fit I took them back and was told there was a VIN split for my year(2000). So maybe this answers Satter's question...
 
Perfect. So what you'd need to find out from Marlin Crawler is if the axle they're selling is the non-abs axle, and then if these "ABS delete rings" are meant to act in place of the normal collar seal on your factory ABS axle. Else just get the correct parts somewhere.
 
just a clarification for my own thoughts, what we are talking about here is the axle shafts. But I'm pretty sure what is bending and weak on our rear axle is the axle housing. I don't think it is possible to bend an axle shaft. they are high carbon steel and will break under load but not bend. The housing on the other hand is a stamped sheet metal and absolutely will bend and cause problems. The answer is to truss the housing before it is bent and then you are good to go. Marlin sells upgraded shafts because he sells double tcase setups and that torque when you have 100+:1 will snap axle shafts. A 30 spline axle is a 30 spline axle. All Toyota 8inch diffs use 30 spline axles. Just my thoughts :fishing:
 
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