probable front drive damage?

Just got back from a great biking trip in the Canyonlands of Utah. We used my 87' FJ-60 as a support vehicle for the 100 mile loop of mild 4x4 terrain. We all took turns driving while the rest biked. When it was the "guy I didn't know's" turn, I walked him through how to put it in 4HI, 4Lo etc., with emphasis on locking the hubs. Needless to say he never locked the hubs (either because he was lazy, inconsiderate, or just stupid) and then he drove in 4wd for a large portion of the day. By the end of the day when I saw my truck again it was making crazy grinding noises (which never seemed to alarm him!) while in 4wd. My question is what kind of damage did this likely do to my front axle and hubs? He is going to have to pay for it, and I want to get an idea what to tell him and the rest of the group while I am shopping for a mechanic.

dirtbag said:

...
By the end of the day when I saw my truck again it was making crazy grinding noises (which never seemed to alarm him!) while in 4wd. My question is what kind of damage did this likely do to my front axle and hubs...

Click to expand...

??? Where is the noise coming from ? Did your transfer case get toasted ???

Hard to diagnose without actually being there and listening. I'm sure other will chime in here.

Cheers,
Cahil

I'll bet the front diff is ok. To check it lock the hubs and leave the tcase in 2WD. Jack up the front end and spin the front tires. Hold one from turning and spin the other one. If there is no noise or binding then the problem is likely in the tcase. Is it possible that he drove it without the tcase being fully engaged in 4wd? Is possible to pull the lever back but not fully seat the drive dog in place. This might chew up the edges of the drive dog. It might still be functional, or it might be trashed. CAn you get it to lock into 4WD or not? While the front axle is still off the ground, try shifting into 4WD to see if the tcase is capable or not.

Are you in the Denver area? Post your location and I'm sure you'll get some rec's for a mechanic.

Sorry I wasn't more clear, the noise seems to be coming from the front diff/hub area. The transfer case is still able. When I first heard the noise (when he showed up) and discovered the hubs weren't locked, I locked them and drove it in 4lo on flat ground. The noise continued for about 20 feet then went away. The next day it drove pretty well, but whenever there was a lot of stress on the front end (rugged terrain) I would get a few moments of the noise. It could be OK but I dont want to get screwed in the long run from this guys incompetency. I am in the Salt Lake City area. Can anyone reccomend a good landcruiser mechanic here?

I bet the hubs are toast.

I don't know what a hub costs though.