Ring and pinion break?

[Theo85]

Need help. Ring and pinion break? Link to vid.

So I was out with a buddy yesterday and he got high entered on a rock pretty bad. I used my tow strap and gave him two small tugs and he wouldn't budge. On the third attempt I said id give it a bit more gas and the tires were spinning a bit until he finally got back on his tires.

I didn't hear anything go snap but as we drove out of the trail and back onto the road, i could hear a loud constant metal on metal BANG every 2-3 seconds.

I stopped and checked underneath for maybe a broken joint but everything seemed fine underneath. The driveshaft seemed solid. We shook the rear end by hand and we could hear some clanking sound coming from the area of the rear diff. I decided I could drive it and maybe it would go away but it didn't. here is a video clip, and it is LOUD went it bangs. I ended up calling CAA to meet me halfway because i didn't want things to get worse.

http://vidmg.photobucket.com/albums...2-4D1E-409A-9BF9-8F2BFF37AF9E_zpsx4lrmbk8.mp4

My question is, if it is a broken ring gear/tooth, where do I get a replacement. I can't find any oem ones on rock auto, they are all 4.10 and up. Anyone experience this before? My mechanic is in on tuesday and is going to have a look but in the meantime I am trying to self diagnose and get the parts.

 

[gm350reratliff]

If it is a busted ring and pinion, call these guys and they can send you a complete 3rd member. It should save a little on labor. Toyota V6 8''- Pickup, 4runner,FJ Criuser

 

[BackOff]

Maybe lift one side of the rear, so the tire is off the ground.
Neutral, block tires.
Turn it by hand, listening for crunching sounds.

First try with a google search...
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/search/?q=2003+Toyota+4Runner+Ring+and+Pinion

03 2003 Toyota 4Runner Differential Ring and Pinion - Driveshaft & Axle - Dorman, G2 Axle & Gear, Motive Gear, Front, Rear - PartsGeek

ring pinion Toyota 4Runner 2003 SR5 4.0L | eBay

I got water in the rear diff on my 1992 4runner, was towing a boat a week or two later and it went out, made a similar sound.

 

[RonJR]

I would think some more diagnostics are in order before coming to any conclusions. Unless there is visible physical damage to the differential housing, just dragging it off a rock should not have caused an internal problem. Once every 2-3 seconds is wheel speed at < 2 miles/hour (the wheels turn about 1 rev/sec at 4mph). I would also look to see if there is anything loose on the suspension.

All that being said, the next time you get high centered on a rock I'd suggest breaking out the jack. Much easier on parts than the brute force method.

 

[Theo85]

Thanks for the replies guys. I can't believe the price on an OEM toyota ring and pinion, 790$$?! Thats crazy. I'm thinking i might as well just upgrade my gearing if thats the case, maybe throw a locker in there too.

As for the ECGS 3rd members...the lead time is two weeks...I don't know if I can wait that long, i'll see what the shop says tomorrow. Will keep you posted.

 

[flighht2k5]

Thanks for the replies guys. I can't believe the price on an OEM toyota ring and pinion, 790$$?! Thats crazy. I'm thinking i might as well just upgrade my gearing if thats the case, maybe throw a locker in there too.



As for the ECGS 3rd members...the lead time is two weeks...I don't know if I can wait that long, i'll see what the shop says tomorrow. Will keep you posted.

If II change the fear fear, you'll have to change the front as well

I must have been drunk when I wrote this. Sheesh
Rear gear.

 

[Theo85]

If II change the fear fear, you'll have to change the front as well

How so?

Also, it is broken teeth on the ring gear...edit/ nm yes you are right if i change gears in back the front have to be the same too.

It looks like I am going to go with a built 3rd member from a shop in Canada. Might get a locker in at the same time with the original 3.91 drive ratio.

 

[aha2988]

http://www.car-part.com/

you can get he entire axle assembly for 400-1000 bucks. just put in your search criteria.

I wouldn't put new gears in an old third member unless I were regearing or adding a new carrier. you just move the weakest link down the ladder. I would definitely rebuild the entire third, new bearings solid pinion spacer etc.

you can go to a pull a part location and remove just the third member assembly from another 4runner 03-09, bolt this into yours and your back on the road.

It sounds like you just loaded up enough torque in a short enough second to cause the pinion gear to deflect from the ring gear. when this happens the gears do not grab each other as deeply and allow the ends of the teeth to break, (pinions still spinning after the ring gear tooth breaks) builds momentum, then slams into the next tooth usually snapping it clean off followed by the rest of the ring gear usually. Sounds like you got lucky and only broke one or two teeth. From the factory they come with crush sleeves to set the pinion bearing preload. this crush sleeve allows this deflection to take place. most off-roaders building there differential accordingly will add a solid pinion spacer to prevent deflection during high torque yield situations.

 

[BackOff]

What did the gear oil look like?
Have you done the rear extended breather line?
Water crossing can suck in H2O thru the stock diff breather.
Then you have issues, they don't like water in them.

 

[dkyleb]

Just out of curiosity, were you in 4Lo when doing this?

 

[CruzadoBlanco]

Hell if anything hop on LKQ and order a 3rd member from them. Since the rears of the 4th gen you can use a 3rd member from a 3rd gen, 1st or some 2nd gen tacos, and FJs pre 2010. Can be ordered for 450 or less. Just make sure it's a v6 3rd with the correct gear ratio