Over the past few days I have been noticing a rubbing/whirling in my rear end (of the 4runner). I initially thought it was a rear wheelbearing. After taking it to the shop it was determine to be the rear carrier bearing. They did not give me a price, they wanted to research it first but my buddy that works in the shop and myself can and will likely do it on our own. They suggested at minimum replacing the bearing. They also suggested it may not be a bad idea to rebuild the 3rd member or even buy a rebuild one for peace of mind. Has anyone done this? I've been the cost of the bearings for around $60-70, but no write ups on it. Also has anyone rebuild or replaced the 3rd member. I've seen a few threads on removing and installing air lockers, but nothing that seemed a direct rebuild or replacement.
Pinion Bearing and 3rd Member
- Thread starter trey99ek
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CruzadoBlanco
New member
honestly if youre gonna take the time to pull the third either replace all of the bearings and wearable parts or just get a drop in from ecgs. just doing one bearing is pointless since you will have to reset everything anyways and then take it all apart sooner rather than later to do the rest when they go.
nevada
Senior Member
this.
also, if a bearing has failed, you have very hard metal shavings EVERYWHERE. if you don't change all the affected bearings, they will very likely go out soon.
do them all, or do nothing. changing just one bearing is a waste of time.
I was looking at the new drop in units. It seems like a great option for the price. It definitely cuts down on the build time and cost. I do like the warranty too. I'm new to rear ends, they have a lot of options. Any input on those or should I just call them and let them walk me through it.
My dad was suggesting the same thing. He's a ford guy. He said a few years ago he had his rebuilt and it failed again 2 years later, but in a used one and has been going for 5-6 years now.
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CruzadoBlanco
New member
ecgs is great, id call them and let them help you decide what you need and how you should do it. the only reason i didnt go with ecgs is i found an elocker 3rd on ebay for 300 bucks and then had the ring and pinion and everything else done for 400, so i came out of doing a e locker retro fit for less than 900 bucks total. but you should be good with just a stock replacement unit from ecgs.
Nevermind. I just got off the phone with ECGS, 3.73. I've never done a rear end and I saw a limited write up, but are they pretty much direct drop in units without needing anything else? I'm just trying to mentally prepare before spending the money, this is the first major problem with 108,000 miles.
jreask
Member
Here is a link that should help. I did mine with an ECGS unit and it wasn't too bad except lifting that heavy third member into the housing. Hope this helps you. Let me know if you have any questions.
Differential Removal / Install - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum
Differential Removal / Install - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum
KidVermicious
New member
Pretty much. You'll disconnect the driveshaft and pull the axle shafts, then unbolt the third and wrestle it out. Clean up the mating surface on the housing and put some gasket maker on it, then put the new one on, slip the shafts back in, etc.
mantleovmygt
New member
I've looking looking around, whats the stock gear ratio in the v6's.
I don't believe that all years had the 3.73 for the V6 model. I believe the very early years (2003 and 2004) had the 3.91.
The dealer can definitely tell you though. That's good advice.
Mine is a 3.73, they checked it by VIN. I got the new 3rd member ordered today. Should be here late next week.
jreask
Member
Did you use ECGS? I got mine from them and it's been in about a month. Mine turned out to be a wheel bearing. Long story.......lesson learned. Good luck with your install.
JR
I hope it's not that long. They said build time was 3-5 days on the phone.
jreask
Member
No, I meant that it has been installed for about a month. The 3rd arrived via FedEx in about four days.
What fluid did you end up using. I know toyota recommends 75w90 but ECGS recommends 85W-140.
KidVermicious
New member
Use the fluid that the guys who built the third tell you to use. Use the break-in process that the guys who built the third tell you to use. If you don't, and something goes wrong with the diff, they'll have grounds to deny a warranty claim.
