Rebuilding rear end (2WD V8)

[Ask10]

So today I swapped my diff oil out on my 4runner and noticed it's making a lot of howling now (more than it was before), only on decel. 85W-90 full synthetic oil was used (forgot brand), but I guess the pinion bearing (if that's right) is on it's way out, from googling symptoms. Oil was plenty filled with crap, but nothing like water or anything was inside.

Anyway, I read on a thread (link below) that a lot of shops wouldn't touch the Toyota rear end because it was "too complicated". Now, say if I've rebuilt a rear end on Nissan pickup or a Ford 9 inch rear, how different would those compare to the 4runner?

And also, why are the parts so expensive in the thread? I checked O-Reilly's (not a byword for OEM standards I know), but the pinion bearing was $10, and the carrier bearings were $17 a piece (sounds inline with what I remember from redoing the Nissan. Anyway, just wanted to know if there was something I was missing.

Thanks!

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/60148-worn-pinion-bearing-just-131k.html

 

[Plumber]

You can try to find a friction modifier that is compatible. I'm new to toyotas but have had to use it on other vehicles to resolve similar noise issues

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I think its mainly because they think the E-Locker is a pain in the ass...

 

[Ask10]

So that would mean essentially that, there's nothing different about the diff compared to something like an open Ford 9 incher on my truck since it's a 2WD and the "LSD" part is simply the computer controlling the brakes right?

Just want to make sure.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

So that would mean essentially that, there's nothing different about the diff compared to something like an open Ford 9 incher on my truck since it's a 2WD and the "LSD" part is simply the computer controlling the brakes right?

Just want to make sure.

Does your rear end have a locker? Because I believe most off the 2WD models had a rear electronic locker.

 

[Ask10]

It doesn't look like this on the outside... but it has the "TRAC OFF" button (the confusing one that everyone thinks means "traction control"). Spins like an open diff as well

http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/diffs/hipinion_electric.jpg

 

[V8Man]

Does your rear end have a locker? Because I believe most off the 2WD models had a rear electronic locker.

Two 2wd 2003 V8 I own have limited slip rear. You have to use LS oil or additive.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Two 2wd 2003 V8 I own have limited slip rear. You have to use LS oil or additive.

Do they have a button to lock the rear differential? I can't remember if it was a Limited thing or an optional 2WD thing, I know a lot of 2WD Tacomas I see have it.

 

[NJshadow93]

Do they have a button to lock the rear differential? I can't remember if it was a Limited thing or an optional 2WD thing, I know a lot of 2WD Tacomas I see have it.

You're thinking of the pre runner Tacomas. No 4th gens had a locker other than the 2009 TE which are all 4WD.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

You're thinking of the pre runner Tacomas. No 4th gens had a locker other than the 2009 TE which are all 4WD.

Yeah, that's probably what I am thinking of we sell a ton of those damn PreRunners and a lot less 4WDs...

Then the rear should be pretty much the same as any Toyota rear end, don't see why they are scared to work on it.

 

[Ask10]

Two 2wd 2003 V8 I own have limited slip rear. You have to use LS oil or additive.

Mine says "LSD" on the brochure, but the service department told me it's not a traditional clutch pack LSD, but rather a computer controlled braking system that simulates an LSD. That's what the "TRAC OFF" button's function is, to disable the "LSD". I am not sure if there is a difference between models like the Limited or SR5, but my Sport is bone stock and mechanically an open diff.

Thanks for the replies, I'll give it a whirl and tear into it when I get my 3rd gen's timing belt done.

 

[superman3043]

I've not worked on any other diffs other than these, but I don't feel like they're more complicated than others. Actually I think in some instances they're easier to service due to the nature of the 3rd member design. It's a ring gear & a pinion like everything else. If you've worked on Nissan's and Fords, you should be fine. Those prices in your link must have been what a dealership quoted the guy to do the job, not parts alone.

This appears to be a common issue on the 2wd's. What I think happens is, the load on the crush sleeve (pinion spacer) causes it to over compress over time and creates excessive play, which results in that howling that you hear.

I recommend you call Chase Perry over at East Coast Gear Supply. Order this master install kit (same one I used I believe) and have him add a solid pinion spacer so that you don't have the problem again. These kits come with OEM Timken and KOYO bearings, so you can't go wrong.

Hope that helps. We rebuilt an e-locker 3rd member from an FJC and retrofitted it to my truck, so if you have any questions, I'd be glad to try to help, or Chase could answer any questions you may have either. He's pretty much the best at this. The only issue I remember being a PITA was setting the the pinion bearing preload, because it required a whole lot of assembly and dis-assembly with different shim combos before we got it right.

Hope that helps. Good luck and have fun with the rebuild!