Regearing and rear axle seals

[ChromeT4R]

I'm looking at getting my 2wd 4cy 2000 4runner regeared. Since it currently has 220,000 miles should I get the rear axle seals replaced at the same time?

 

[Bad Luck]

I'm looking at getting my 2wd 4cy 2000 4runner regeared. Since it currently has 220,000 miles should I get the rear axle seals replaced at the same time?

Yes. Might as well while the axle shafts are out. Just do a grease/sharpie test to make sure the new seal is in the right spot.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Buy 3 seals. If it's your first time, it's very easy to smash the seals up by accident. Freezing them beforehand helps a little with installation too as they shrink just a tiny bit and allow them to slide in easier.

 

[JoeT4R]

Agreed with the above. Also go OEM for the seals, don't do aftermarket ones. If they've lasted you this long then you can expect to double it from here forward.

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

 

[T4R2014]

Do wheel bearings while you are in there. You won't have to worry about that rear for a long time.

 

[mtbtim]

First of all, if you're gonna do a re-gear, I suggest using East Coast Gear Supply. You can order pre-built differentials and send yours back to satisfy the core charge.

You can pull the differentials yourself using these videos:

REAR DIFF SWAP
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZMTbgY1xQKk" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>


FRONT DIFF SWAP

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w_gPiDvh9v4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>


WATCH FRONT DIFF SWAP PART 2 AS WELL FOR FURTHER HELPFUL INFO

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bOOxfDFUFsA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>


In regards to the rear axle seals. You could just go for the seal replacements, but it would be better to do the whole job and replace the bearings, retainers and other associated parts too. The videos below will instruct you how to do it. Watch both videos and be sure to read the comments I pinned (1st comment you see) for further updates on the job


REAT AXLE SEAL JOB PART 1

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AVhSDnw2ugo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>


REAR AXLE SEAL JOB PART 2

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R-c2x3F8DU4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Rushthezeppelin]

Buy 3 seals. If it's your first time, it's very easy to smash the seals up by accident. Freezing them beforehand helps a little with installation too as they shrink just a tiny bit and allow them to slide in easier.

This, don't question this advice. I did and asked around trying to figure out why everyone screws up their first one. I thought I had it all figured out and only bought 2 seals. Sure enough I screwed up the first one too and had to eat some humble pie. They are only 7 bucks so there's basically no reason not to. Probably not a bad idea to just do the bearings while you are there too (definitely do this if you have noticed any gear oil that has made it past the seal, failure on bearings can be catastrophic and ruin your new gears). Also pretty cheap in the grand scheme of things if you can find someone with a press and the Donald press tool.

 

[shadow247]

This, don't question this advice. I did and asked around trying to figure out why everyone screws up their first one. I thought I had it all figured out and only bought 2 seals. Sure enough I screwed up the first one too and had to eat some humble pie. They are only 7 bucks so there's basically no reason not to. Probably not a bad idea to just do the bearings while you are there too (definitely do this if you have noticed any gear oil that has made it past the seal, failure on bearings can be catastrophic and ruin your new gears). Also pretty cheap in the grand scheme of things if you can find someone with a press and the Donald press tool.

I always buy multiple seals. Having a bunch of 3rd gen buddies, it seems like someone is needing one. It's nice to just be like "oh yeah I got one on my part bin" and knock out a job instead of having to wait.

 

[ChromeT4R]

Wow great info! Thank you all for the information and advice. I didn't consider the bearings. Some more thinking to do.

 

[Rushthezeppelin]

Wow great info! Thank you all for the information and advice. I didn't consider the bearings. Some more thinking to do.

If the back ends are the same as the 4wd you can get the actual OEM bearings much cheaper at Napa than you can the dealership btw. They are Koyo bearings.