Rear End Differential

I have 2002 SR5. My mechanic says I need a new differential. Only source is used. Truck runs good but it has a constant groan when driving. Wanting to replace differential. Wanting to find some shop somewhere that knows what they are doing. Looking for advise on what to do, possible shop or even a source on a good used differential. I live in Alabama

 

When you say "new differential", are you meaning the whole rear axle assembly? Because I'm pretty sure you can still get parts, even aftermarket parts if not OEM, to rebuild the 3rd member internals (pinion & ring gears, bearings, shims). I would go that route, instead of sourcing a used one that you have no idea what condition it is in.

 

Could be a good time to do a regear if you just do the internals. I also see no point in replacing the entire rear end unless its bent or something.

 

I'm sure the guy that does the work for me intends to order one from a salvage yard. I think he's talking about the chunk in the rear end. Not the whole axle assembly. I had the same thoughts about "how do I know that the one we buy from a salvage yard is any good?" He said it would be under warranty which means if it's no good they'd give him another one , but I'm sure I'd still have to pay the labor. Not sure I'm up for that . But I would suppose if somebody was going to rebuild the internals of the differential that would require experience. I'm not sure my guy has that experience. I need to find somebody who has experience rebuilding a rear end for a 4 runner.

 

Fair enough, I too don't trust setting up a rear end to just anyone, there's so many adjustments required to get the right contact pattern on the gears, it's something some mechanics make a career out of doing just rear ends builds! Fortunately for me there's many places in the Houston area that are widely known for doing quality rear-end work.

Anyways, the "chunk" in the rear end (called the "3rd member") from a donor vehicle would definitely be a last resort option for me, just something to buy some time to keep me rolling until I could get it rebuilt, so that means I also wouldn't want to spend a lot of $$ on it either - warranty or not. Sometimes you get lucky with salvage yard parts, but those vehicles are in the salvage yard for a reason, a money back "warranty" is great if you have the time to mess with it if it fails again, but I'm sure your goal is to get your vehicle back running reliably!

 

Welcome

 

So here I am, trying to figure out what to do with my 20O2. Looking for a reputable shop with knowledge of 4 runner rear end rebuild. Not sure I'm going to do anything until I find somebody I consider knowledgeable and trustworthy. Suggestions or comments appreciated

 

It's a solid rear axle, nothing particularly weird (to the best of my knowledge) so I'd look for anything that specializes in any combination (not necessarily all) of Toyota's, 4x4's, pickup trucks (since they generally have solid axles) in general.

 

When I hear "differential", I think of 'center section', or third member along those lines. There is a ton of o.e.m. parts and aftermarket parts available, from Rock Auto or Yukon gear to name a couple. As for rebuilding the center section.. it's similar to a 9" Ford center section, which is similar to a bunch of truck diffs like Eatons and Rockwells. There are certain backlash specs., reading tooth contact patterns. This is not a mystic science, literally there are thousands of people capable of rebuilds like this. Did you ask your mechanic if he could rebuild a diff. instead of buying something that may be junk? If it turns out to be junk your Runner will be laid up twice instead of once, and he will get paid accordingly, and then you can go to the next junkyard diff.? Good luck on the project.. let us know how it turns out.