Mudding Gone Wrong: Compatible Third Members?

[NorthernRyan]

So now that my 4runner is home and I know the rear differential is blown the game of trying to find a replacement is on. As a little back story and excuse for pictures I blew it trying to pull my friends rubicon out of muskeg, this stuff:

<a href="http://s1183.photobucket.com/albums/x477/engryan/car/?action=view&current=IMGP0212.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x477/engryan/car/IMGP0212.jpg" border="0" alt="Last Stuck"></a>

We both got out eventually:
<a href="http://s1183.photobucket.com/albums/x477/engryan/car/?action=view&current=IMGP0217.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x477/engryan/car/IMGP0217.jpg" border="0" alt="Our babys out."></a>
But mine was broken

These guys helped us out:
<a href="http://s1183.photobucket.com/albums/x477/engryan/car/?action=view&current=IMGP0215.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x477/engryan/car/IMGP0215.jpg" border="0" alt="Some Jeeps to the rescue."></a>

Here is how my blown rear diff sounds:
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LR8w-Ypeqh8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Anyways, after doing some researching on here it would appear finding a third member from a 4th gen 4runner is going to be tough. I have a 2003 V6 and the 2003-2004 4runners with the 4speed transmission have a rear gear ratio of 3.90. The 5 speed V6 2005 and on have a 3.73 and so do all the V8s.

So my question is does anyone know of any specific tacos or fjs that might share the same third member as a 2003 V6 4runner.

Another answer I found hard to find if whether we have a semi floating or full floating rear axles but inferring from a few comments I believe we have semi floating.

Is anyone really against using a used third member from a pick and pull? Looks like it will be about $100 for one. My dad has a friend who loves this kinda thing, when I first told him I blew my rear diff he said it was a perfect time to swap it for a GM 14 bolt from a one ton as they are cheap and indestructible. However after saying I wanted to keep it Toyota parts he said if I can source one in Calgary he will pull and inspect it for me. Living in a small town like Fort Mac there is only one 4runner at the wreckers and it's a V8. Was thinking about doing a locker at the same time but I'm starting to feel getting a newer V8 if I'm going to go all out with armor and steel bumpers...

Anyways any advice on compatible third members and the cons of a used third member are appreciated.

 

[RunninUte]

You need to pull your third member and see what broke. It could be just a ring gear or pinion of so great and just put a new ring and pinion in. If your lucky and that is what it is was do any upgrades like a locker at the same time, save money on labor charges, do it once and that's it obviously if you decide to change gear ratio you need to do the front as well....good luck!!

 

[zstampe]

Ask the guys over at Toyota 120 too.

 

[settytb]

We have the 3.90 gear ratio in the 03 4runner with the v6. The 6 speed manual FJ's have it too but they are kinda rare as well... Agreed I say just replace the broken parts rather than grabbing a whole (used) 3rd member.

 

[NJshadow93]

Damn, that sucks. I was worried this would happen to me when I was wheeling my stock '03 last summer. You should probably add a diff cover to your list too.

 

[NorthernRyan]

This will be the most advanced work I have done after my full suspension swap and I just started being a "car guy". My only worry about just changing the pinion or ring gear is that it will require some shimming or adjustment or what not that will be more out of my league as well as require special tooling, as opposed to a used bolt on.

...The 6 speed manual FJ's have it too but they are kinda rare as well...

Good tip on the manual FJs Setty, thanks.

Ya I'll post over on 120 sometime tonight (gotta love night shift).

 

[aha2988]

you can take your third member out and take it to a driveline shop and they'll refurbish it for you. They'll know how to do all the shimming and installing properly and if you bring them the parts you want to put in with the third member and master install kit they probably wouldnt charget more than 200 bucks for the labor. here's some info on our axles that may be of assistance to you...Erik's Toyota Differential info

 

[Sungod]

Do not even think of rebuilding your rear end yourself. As aha said, just take it to a drive line shop and have them rebuild it. That is the easiest way. Going with a different axle like a Dana 60 or something else will take a lot of time and fabbing to get it to work. Looking at the picture of your 4runner, I don't think you are at the point that new rear end is what you need. It just looks too clean to start chopping up, and ther are a lot of other areas you could spend your money on that would give you more bang for your buck (or Loonie in your case).

 

[galactic_04]

have you checked on what Yukon gear has for it? I'm guessing you just blew the ring and pinion. You may think of re-gearing the truck now if you wanted to, but it'll have to be done to both diffs (not very cheap to do). You can see if they have a decent aftermarket gear set for the stock axle gearing as well. We've always used Yukon gears in the off road toys.

 

[talonjade]

Thanks for the video upload. I am sure all those (hypo(CAR)driac) will sleep better knowing what kind of problem constitutes that sound!

PLEASE keep us up-to-date, I hope it goes well for you my friend.:cheers:

 

[aha2988]

call or go online and talk to east coast gear supply they have a good webpage to source from. anyways they'll sale you a complete built third member for a little more than 500 bucks for factory replace they also will build with lockers for little more than 800 depending on locker selection. if you regear (which they also offer in the build) you'll need to regear the front as well. also considerably well priced by East coast gear supply