NachoRunner
Junior Member
Howdy. Pretty much every issue I've had has come up before so I never really had to post. Finally upped my post count so I can inquire about an issue with my front diff I'm not finding answers for. I'm in Bailey, CO so if you your in the area I can help with press work on the rear axle job for 3rd gens and land cruisers. I got that special press tool and a press...
So, I have a '97 that sometimes has issues with going in/out of 4wd. I was towing a heavy load of firewood and it would not come out of 4hi. I kept it under 50mph for the 5-10 mile drive. Making a turn on the last mile I hear a POP and see a big cloud of black smoke accompanied by a terrible stink. I look and see nothing to do, so limp the last mile home.
I run air in the front diff fill hole and it leaks out of the front diff pinion seal(front diff rear oil seal according to manual). I check the diff breather and it is clear and 'working'. Why would it blow like that instead of releasing pressure?
I remove the drain plug and it has a small amount of shavings but no chunks like I saw in Timmythetoolman's front axle seal video(Thanks [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION]!). He mentioned in the comments that guy was still driving it 3 years later(another reason I say the diffs on these things are resilient). Limping it around my yard with no oil and all, it doesn't make any sounds and shifts in and out of 4wd though a bit sluggish response sometimes.
Replaced seal and filled with oil only to find the driver side CV/drive shaft seal to diff was also blown out. When I say blown out, the inside rubber ring was completely severed from the outside metal ring on BOTH of these seals. That is some serious pressure.
I filled again with oil and a short test drive, it's quickly building heat and pressure. Oil was coming out of the breather hose. No noises and everything FEELS fine.
Other relevant(?) info, factory tire size, typical OME suspension 2-3in lift., Tundra brakes, no bumpers/armor/etc. no diff drop either.
What the heck is wrong with this diff? Why did the seals pop like they did if the breather was not clogged? Suggestions appreciated.
So, I have a '97 that sometimes has issues with going in/out of 4wd. I was towing a heavy load of firewood and it would not come out of 4hi. I kept it under 50mph for the 5-10 mile drive. Making a turn on the last mile I hear a POP and see a big cloud of black smoke accompanied by a terrible stink. I look and see nothing to do, so limp the last mile home.
I run air in the front diff fill hole and it leaks out of the front diff pinion seal(front diff rear oil seal according to manual). I check the diff breather and it is clear and 'working'. Why would it blow like that instead of releasing pressure?
I remove the drain plug and it has a small amount of shavings but no chunks like I saw in Timmythetoolman's front axle seal video(Thanks [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION]!). He mentioned in the comments that guy was still driving it 3 years later(another reason I say the diffs on these things are resilient). Limping it around my yard with no oil and all, it doesn't make any sounds and shifts in and out of 4wd though a bit sluggish response sometimes.
Replaced seal and filled with oil only to find the driver side CV/drive shaft seal to diff was also blown out. When I say blown out, the inside rubber ring was completely severed from the outside metal ring on BOTH of these seals. That is some serious pressure.
I filled again with oil and a short test drive, it's quickly building heat and pressure. Oil was coming out of the breather hose. No noises and everything FEELS fine.
Other relevant(?) info, factory tire size, typical OME suspension 2-3in lift., Tundra brakes, no bumpers/armor/etc. no diff drop either.
What the heck is wrong with this diff? Why did the seals pop like they did if the breather was not clogged? Suggestions appreciated.
