Rear diff leak

[zaxxon]

After a weekend of doing what I said I wouldn't, after the time and money invested in importing my BJ74. I have learnt preperation is good. A ride around the lake turned into some great times, but I was totally unprepared, not even a pair of gloves. Man, thank the lord for winches. I now have my first repair. I have sprung a leak between the rear diff and the U joint assembly. I am pretty sure I hit a rock in a waist deep water crossing. Is this going to be a major fix. Also can I get a skid plate to avoid future such meeting with my diffs. Is there anything other than a snorkel that I should look at, for water crossings? Are the electrics and breathers an issue? Can't wait for next weekend. The wife thinks the overtime I am working will go towards the new siding. Fat Chance!!!

[roscoFJ73]

Originally Posted by zaxxon

After a weekend of doing what I said I wouldn't, after the time and money invested in importing my BJ74. I have learnt preperation is good. A ride around the lake turned into some great times, but I was totally unprepared, not even a pair of gloves. Man, thank the lord for winches. I now have my first repair. I have sprung a leak between the rear diff and the U joint assembly. I am pretty sure I hit a rock in a waist deep water crossing. Is this going to be a major fix. Also can I get a skid plate to avoid future such meeting with my diffs. Is there anything other than a snorkel that I should look at, for water crossings? Are the electrics and breathers an issue? Can't wait for next weekend. The wife thinks the overtime I am working will go towards the new siding. Fat Chance!!!

First I would drain the diff and see if its full of water.
If you hit a rock there would be very visible signs of damage.
It could be the diff pinion seal leaking
If your going to do deep water rossing on a regular basis I would extend the diff breathers.
When you get stuck in water with hot diffs it cools them while you are attempting a recovery.
This has the effect of lowering the pressure inside the diff and it can suck water in.Like the egg into a milk bottle trick
Common problem with hiluxes as they dont have any breathers fitted at the factory.
The landcruisers breathers are 14 inches or so higher than the diff.

There is no bash plates for these diffs available that I know of

[WristPin]

if you are going to remove your pinion flange, before you do, count the threads on the pinion shaft. this will aid in proper reinstallation. toy must not over or under torque this. when you reinstall it, put the flange back to the # of threads.
like rosco said, the diff breathers need to be modified for under-river use.

below are mandatory mods if you expect to survive a depth crossing.
you must add a snorkel, and stack.

[crushers]

Originally Posted by zaxxon

After a weekend of doing what I said I wouldn't, after the time and money invested in importing my BJ74. I have learnt preperation is good. A ride around the lake turned into some great times, but I was totally unprepared, not even a pair of gloves. Man, thank the lord for winches. I now have my first repair. I have sprung a leak between the rear diff and the U joint assembly. I am pretty sure I hit a rock in a waist deep water crossing. Is this going to be a major fix. Also can I get a skid plate to avoid future such meeting with my diffs. Is there anything other than a snorkel that I should look at, for water crossings? Are the electrics and breathers an issue? Can't wait for next weekend. The wife thinks the overtime I am working will go towards the new siding. Fat Chance!!!

a new seal, and a fluid change and you should be ready to go... check the breather plug to make sure it isn't plugged.
a snorkel is great both for practicality and looks.
till you get a bit more off roading experience under your belt i would suggest staying out of the deep stuff...

[zaxxon]

I got the wrong seal and nut and am waiting for Monday. Thanks Wayne, I will take the advice. I did get a bit carried away. I have one other issue. When I am taking off from a dead stop the vehicle shudders. I usually start in second gear, but it dose it starting off in either. Is there a adjustment for the clutch. I dose not slip at all while driving, even under a good load.