Rusted out rear diff

[Notoyz]

OK I'm on a rust binge here :whip2: I see that rusted out rear differentials are a common problem (3rd gens only?) in the salted road rust belt. Is there another solution to just replacing it with another similar toyota housing? Can earlier gen axles be used, ford, chevy, dodge that don't have this issue? I personally like the diffs with an access cover, makes service and periodic maintenance nice. Now I'm not talking for the tricked out offroad rigs which have every axle conceivable in them, just swaps which could eliminate the situation. Anyone got ideas, links?

 

[Stick Figure]

I personally like the diffs with an access cover, makes service and periodic maintenance nice.

Just admit it you want to put that fancy chrome cover on it!

 

[shadow247]

there are no direct swaps. Just look for a clean rearend and strip and paint it yourself before installing. Use a quality epoxy based paint and you should be in good shape.

 

[joec79]

I have just found the same thing! 01 with 167,000 .Been looking at countless postings . Ipicked up some jb weld and will try to seal it. mine isn't real bad. so i hope it will by me a little time . if it is just for the winter at least.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Nearly rust free non-elocker housing in Abq, NM for $50.. pm me if you are interested.

 

[00_4runner]

Nearly rust free non-elocker housing in Abq, NM for $50.. pm me if you are interested.

Man do I wish I had extra money around. Spent it all on the 4runner haha. I wanna replace my whole real axle in the future...

 

[KidVermicious]

OK I'm on a rust binge here :whip2: I see that rusted out rear differentials are a common problem (3rd gens only?) in the salted road rust belt. Is there another solution to just replacing it with another similar toyota housing? Can earlier gen axles be used, ford, chevy, dodge that don't have this issue? I personally like the diffs with an access cover, makes service and periodic maintenance nice. Now I'm not talking for the tricked out offroad rigs which have every axle conceivable in them, just swaps which could eliminate the situation. Anyone got ideas, links?

With enough time and money, you can put any axle you want in there. There are no other direct swaps, though - you have to account for wheel bolt pattern, brake lines, ebrake cable, suspension type and mounting points, driveline bolt pattern, etc.

The best way to prevent axle rust would be to take yours out, strip it down and clean it well, and slather on some POR15 or similiar rust-beater. That stuff will last years.