Need diff/3rd member info

[jgr]

Hello All,

I need info and possibly suppliers regarding my 1998 SR5 rear differential. It's Non locking with 186k miles and it's making some fantastic noise. I jacked it up and gave it a spin and checked with a stethoscope. Sounds like a pinion bearing. I'm 100% sure that it's not the wheel bearings by the brake drums.

Question: Can I replace the bearing w/o having to rebuild the diff (i.e. backlash and etc)? If not, then where can I buy a reliable rebuilt differential? I'm located outside of Washington DC if that makes a difference.

Thanks,

Jon

 

[badattitude]

check out east cost gear

Toyota V6 8''- Pickup, 4runner,FJ Criuser

I had a noisy pinion in my 1999 as well. I had new bearnings installed by a local gear shop. They had some trouble rebuilding the diff, I had a trutrac installed too. It's all quiet now

 

[CanukRunner]

How is the true trac vs stock? I always wondered if it was a good option over spending 1300 installing an ARB.

 

[badattitude]

How is the true trac vs stock? I always wondered if it was a good option over spending 1300 installing an ARB.

I absolutly LOVE the trutrac. It is "on" all the time. It's totally un-noticable on the street. It works good in the snow. The back end does not slide around in the snow. It really helps at icy stoplights, where in the past I would spin a tire when tring to go. I can't spin a tire period, and it's not so "locked up" that it causes problems when turning.

I have friend with the e locker and decideing when to use it is the biggest decsion he makes all week. They say, "I'm going up the hill should I turn it on". Then it somtimes works and somtimes they need to back up and turn to get it locked in. None of that happens with the trutrac. It's just always there working for me.

Now, a true rock crawler will not recommend one. They are not for hard-core off road. But for occasional off road on a DD, they are perfect.

If I regear, I'll certainly get one in the front too.

 

[CanukRunner]

My friend has a torsen rear in his Ford Ranger FX4 level 2,

I hear alot of people saying its bad in snow and Ice.. yes it kicks out but... controlled....

When my four runner kicks out in an icy turn it really kicks out no real warning...

I was just wondering if the torsen in the 4runner will at least be more prediciable in the snow and ice.

I just called Randys Ring and Pinon, $439 for the front True Track and 424 for the rear...

I was hoping it would be as cheap as an aussie locker.. (which would no doubt be hell on snow covered hyway).

 

[badattitude]

I think the weight of the 4runner helps it in the snow (compaired to a Ranger pick up). Sure, it will fishtale if that's what I'm trying to do but it is far from unpredicable. If I had to describe it, I would say it fishtales further once it starts but it does not fishtale any eaiser, if that makes sense. Get off the gas in it gets back in line quickly. I was concered as well becase I also heard it would be a problem in the snow. But, if you know how to drive in snow to begin with, the added traction is more help than hurt. It gets you going in the snow from a stop. One of the reasons I got mine was becase I was tired of spinning a tire at green lights during the winter months.

It really helps on those days when I don't know if I want to be in 4WD or not. I don't have the "multi-mode" transfer case; I'm either full 4wd or 2wd. So the trutrac really helps me get around during the winter in 2wd. For those days when there is some snow/ice on the road but not totally covered.

In the mud and loose sand it is just as good as a locker. It's also handy at the boat launch when pulling the boat on a wet ramp. If I get on the gas just driving around a corner the truck is just glued to the raod. I think it would great for a supercharged 4runner.

Also, the trutrac likes regular old gear oil. No need to add a special additive like some other LSDs. This is much better than a clutch style LSD. IMO it's a auto locker with better street manners.

let me know if you have another questions.

Added: I found mine used for $300 shipped on yota tech. They are very well machined and very heavy.

 

[jgr]

Thanks for the replies. I feel better knowing I can get an easy swap for a reasonable price.

I really didn't want to deal with junkyard axles or a random mechanic setting up gears!