Rear Differential

[Biglou88]

I have read a few posts regarding the rear axle seals and I will throw in my two cents. I have a 1997 4runner all stock, no mods. This is my everyday work truck and it's the most reliable car I have ever owned. I have 189 K and it runs strong. I have been changing my rear axle seals for over a year. I would change it and it would last two or three months. Finally, I read a post about East Coast GEar Supply. I went to a few different shops and they quoted me over $800 bucks just to rebuid the rear differential. The only thing is that if there are scratches on the housing somewhere, this may cause failure. I called East Coast and they were helpful and not bad for $575. I should get it this week and I will put in new bearings, seals, u joints and I will check the yoke while I am at it, I was selling the truck, but now I feel like once I do this, I will have a new vehicle because my engine is good, transmission is good, body is good, interior is good, it's all good :bluejump: I just had it aligned, new tires, new exhaust, shocks. I'm not going to get a car like this for the money I was selling it. I have reconsidered and I have a new found respect for Toyota reliability. I have two BMW's and trust me, I know about car problems. Well, I hope that if someone if having this issue more than once, you may have to go with the differential. Hopefully this helps.

BigLou

 

[kball]

Not sure why you want to rebuild your diff. Leaking rear axle seals are caused by bad seals, wheel bearings or the diff breather. None of which have to do with the third member which is what you plan to rebuild. Have you ever had your bearings replaced? If you've been changing seals for a year I would think your bearings are toast from all the diff fluid running through them.

check this link for all the info you need.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...on-replacement-thread-3rd-gen.html#post571040

 

[Biglou88]

1997 Toyota 4Runner

Those bearings have been replaced at least 4 times as well as the abs ring sensor. The car has been making a whining noise when you accelerate and then goes away when you let go. There is a vibration throughout the driveline starting at 60mph. Those are typical signs, I keep all of my u joints greased cause I know this can cause a little vibration. I got the differential, I will do it this week and let you guys know how it turns out. While I am there I will replace the u joints and the differential came with a new yoke. I am covering my bases, I will change the differential seal and I will do the bearings on the passenger side, those were only done once. The problem was always the driver's side.

BigLou88