Rear axle swap vs rebuild....?Many questions....Please help.

[Ed Shovan]

Just purchased a clean 98 runner last week,the 9 month search is over to replaced my severely rusted 95.Turns out the rear axle seals were out of it with 211 thousand miles I assume that the bearings must be about shot,very goooie inside both rear brakes.I have it mostly torn down and I gotta say I dont really like this axle design,is a pain in the a$$.The backer plate bolts are round!How does that work?And what is the purpose of the inner seal?My runner does NOT have the rear diff locker,so at this point should I look for a complete axle with the rear locker?Or rebuild the old one.I like the idea of added traction.Is this an easy swap?How many gear ratio were offered in a 98 limited?Is the wiring for the elect locker already in place.What year axle will fit under my runner?What one is the most desireable?What about a Tacoma rear axle?
As long as I am doing this I want upgrade the suspension,the rear is saggy.Im looking at OME complete spring and shock package that offers a 2" lift or Toytec version with a 3" lift with Bilstein fronts for about a $100 cheaper.Ant idea the better of the two?I just use this buggy in the woods and on frozen lakes and want a smooth ride!
Thanks so much for any help,this is a great forum and site!

 

[audiness]

There are a lot of black friday/ cyber monday deals out there for suspensions ... you might want to check out a place like Toytec before the deal goes away

 

[Buckaroo]

Ed -

You're talking about doing seals and wheel bearings which is very common. Is the diff housing in good shape or rusted to hell & perforated? If ok and the axle has not been abused, I would work with it. Lots of info on this forum about replacing axle seals and bearing. You will need a shop to press the bearings off and back on the axle.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...e-information-replacement-thread-3rd-gen.html

Recommend you just take a breath...maintaining a truck as old as the 3rd gen T4R is a journey, not a destination.

Buckaroo

 

[Ed Shovan]

aaaahh yes,a journey

Agreed,I have decided to keep what I have,a rear locker would be nice,but I dont have time to find one.Very little rust on this yoda,it took me awhile to find one this clean up here,must have come from the South.The inner seals are easy to change out as long as it is done correctly.Found a lot of good info here on that.I did the grease test and the old seals never even left a mark on the retainer so I will try and relocate them both up the axle shaft slightly.Both bearings feel ok,one was replaced.Also found that the car quest seals look to be a little tighter that the stock Toyota so I am using them.Thanks for the advice,it is a journey.Ordered a Toytec 3" lift today!