1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Dead rear differential

Discussion in '2nd Gen 4Runners (1990-1995)' started by 3.slowing4x4, Nov 21, 2020.

  1. Nov 21, 2020 at 7:57 AM
    #1
    3.slowing4x4

    3.slowing4x4 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2020
    Member:
    #15579
    Messages:
    11
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    California
    Vehicle:
    1994 Red 4Runner
    Stock
    So I done it boys yesterday lucky lily I wasn’t on the freeway I was driving from the gas station and my rear differential just died on me probably my fault though didn’t know I had to change the differential fluids :facepalm:, so now it’s like any idea on a fix? I’m devastated and not really sure what to do with it other then having it’s towed to a shop. A little info on the rig is it’s a 1994 4Runner 4x4 sr5. Any help is appreciated tia.
     
  2. Nov 21, 2020 at 10:38 AM
    #2
    trlhiker

    trlhiker Lazy Bum

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2019
    Member:
    #11913
    Messages:
    2,267
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    1992 4Runner SR5 V6 4X4
    It would probably be cheaper to replace the whole axle dependent on what actually failed or you may be able to get buy with just replacing the gearing, either way it will probably be expensive unless you do all the work yourself. Whatever you do, make sure the gearing matches what is up front. You either have 4:56 or 4:88.
     
    Last edited: Nov 21, 2020
    3.slowing4x4[OP] likes this.
  3. Nov 21, 2020 at 10:42 AM
    #3
    Dark Knight

    Dark Knight Get off my lawn

    Joined:
    Sep 18, 2016
    Member:
    #2681
    Messages:
    1,096
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    What do you mean the differential died? What’s the symptoms?
     
    3.slowing4x4[OP] likes this.
  4. Nov 21, 2020 at 5:50 PM
    #4
    3.slowing4x4

    3.slowing4x4 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2020
    Member:
    #15579
    Messages:
    11
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    California
    Vehicle:
    1994 Red 4Runner
    Stock
    So I found out that I have a 4.88 thanks to the axle code. Not I’m looking on 4 wheel parts to see if I should just put in a new rear differential with lockers now and input on that?
     
  5. Nov 21, 2020 at 5:51 PM
    #5
    3.slowing4x4

    3.slowing4x4 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2020
    Member:
    #15579
    Messages:
    11
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    California
    Vehicle:
    1994 Red 4Runner
    Stock
    I was driving from the gas station and I was going like 10-15 miles and the rear just locked up and when I step on the gas it makes loud clunking noise and won’t move...
     
  6. Nov 22, 2020 at 9:28 AM
    #6
    trlhiker

    trlhiker Lazy Bum

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2019
    Member:
    #11913
    Messages:
    2,267
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    1992 4Runner SR5 V6 4X4
    Are you sure it is your diff and not the drive shafts or U-Joints?
     
    3.slowing4x4[OP] likes this.
  7. Nov 22, 2020 at 1:57 PM
    #7
    bthp223

    bthp223 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2016
    Member:
    #3009
    Messages:
    361
    Gender:
    Male
    Nevada
    Vehicle:
    1990 4X4
    I’m curious too, have you jacked up the rear end and even looked ? Maybe put it up on jack stands and see if the rear wheels are turning ? Put it in drive maybe then you can see-hear where the noise is.
     
    3.slowing4x4[OP] likes this.
  8. Nov 23, 2020 at 2:22 AM
    #8
    3.slowing4x4

    3.slowing4x4 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2020
    Member:
    #15579
    Messages:
    11
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    California
    Vehicle:
    1994 Red 4Runner
    Stock
    My mechanic took a look at it and said it’s the differential
     
  9. Nov 23, 2020 at 2:23 AM
    #9
    3.slowing4x4

    3.slowing4x4 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2020
    Member:
    #15579
    Messages:
    11
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    California
    Vehicle:
    1994 Red 4Runner
    Stock
    Now I’m contemplating on just fixing it or put in a differential with lockers... any suggestions on lockers? I’m leaving more towards Detroit lockers over the arb.
     
  10. Nov 29, 2020 at 1:49 AM
    #10
    3.slowing4x4

    3.slowing4x4 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2020
    Member:
    #15579
    Messages:
    11
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    California
    Vehicle:
    1994 Red 4Runner
    Stock
    So update I got my differential done to match the original but now my truck won’t go over 50 mph and idea on what is going on with it???
     
  11. Nov 29, 2020 at 7:17 AM
    #11
    bthp223

    bthp223 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 14, 2016
    Member:
    #3009
    Messages:
    361
    Gender:
    Male
    Nevada
    Vehicle:
    1990 4X4
    Did you try reading some of the other threads in this forum on the subject ?

    I mean there are some very recent discussions on the Spartan and a few others.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top