2006 LX470 Front Differential Broken (1 Viewer)

[pjm10626]

I've broken my front differential! I thoguht i would never have this issue as the newer differentials are suposed to be strong, but stuff happens. A gear tooth broke off the ring gear and punched a hole in the front differential cover. Im not sure how it happened just started smelling fluid and found the issue. I have been on a few trails but nothing crazy so im not sure when it happened. Im here to see what options folks recommend for replacement and if anyone has some spare parts lying around i can use. My current setup is slee 1.5" OME lift and diff drop SPC UCAs with 275 70 18 (33") BFG KM3. Im not sure if i should replace with a used diff, buy new ring pinon and cover or upgrade by re gearing and/or locking the front and rear.

 

[Ninja Cruiser100]

Wow sorry to see that.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

No year is exempt my 06 front diff broke with the PO on the highway and NEVER saw dirt since his day 1 of ownership.

 

[z531519]

No year is exempt my 06 front diff broke with the PO on the highway and NEVER saw dirt since his day 1 of ownership.

How is that possible with regular street driving? Honest question.

 

[geanes]

Ouch! Sorry to see that. Might as well add a locker at this point.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

How is that possible with regular street driving? Honest question.

Good question but sometimes $hit happens without reason.
On the other side of the spectrum I flogged a 99 LC for years and sold to a friend with the front diff still going strong.

 

[DTCsk8er]

With miles, lack of gear oil changes, and abuse (maybe even just heavy foot).. these things sometimes just happen. To really understand what went wrong, I would suggest measuring the backlash, inspect the bearings, and even getting a paint check to see where things land.

 

[abuck99]

How is that possible with regular street driving? Honest question.

acceleration -> slip -> traction= bang

There can be some separation in the mesh (connection) between the pinion and ring gear. Higher miles the lash (mesh) can increase just enough where under hard acceleration and where there is wheel slippage then catching abrupt traction the pinion can lose full mesh with the ring gear tooth and jump; usually breaking the edges of the teeth off, or worse.

 

[z531519]

acceleration -> slip -> traction= bang

There can be some separation in the mesh (connection) between the pinion and ring gear. Higher miles the lash (mesh) can increase just enough where under hard acceleration and where there is wheel slippage then catching abrupt traction the pinion can lose full mesh with the ring gear tooth and jump; usually breaking the edges of the teeth off, or worse.

Makes sense now that we just had our first black ice on the road today.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

@pjm10626 what is your plan of approach for the repair?

 

[pjm10626]

just ordered a brand new compete front differential. the cost wasn't much more than having the one rebuilt.

 

[habakkuk007]

what did it run you shipped?

 

[0tterPop]

I am also curious to where you bought the new unit? I had a holy diff grenade while off roading about a month ago and I am try to figure out my options. Are there many choices besides a OEM front diff? Is there anything stronger available?

 

[dinnertime]

I am also curious to where you bought the new unit? I had a holy diff grenade while off roading about a month ago and I am try to figure out my options. Are there many choices besides a OEM front diff? Is there anything stronger available?

You can upgrade to an ARB locker.

 

[habakkuk007]

Just FYI, I had bought a 2005 LC with a grenaded front differential. I did not have a place to store it long term so I did not have much time to figure out all options available to me. Ended up getting a used front diff from Benzeen Auto Parts for $1100 shipped (from Cali to Mass). I most likely overpaid, but I had paid peanuts for the truck, and did not mind that expenditure to get it up and running in a hurry. Thus, I am curious what did the new unit run you shipped?

P.S. For the purpose of the local etiquette, is it acceptable to ask about a price? I hope I am not asking something that is not typically asked; that's why I figured, I'd explain the reasons why I am posing a question related to a cost.

 

[pjm10626]

Cheapest i found shipped for a new one online was 1400. The used ones i found were from 700 to over 1000. To rebuild the broken one i was looking at 900-1000 if i shipped it off to be rebuilt by a reputable shop, or 600-800 in parts alone to diy. The one I bought was off of craigslist, someone happened to have one new in box for 1100 shipped. I couldn't justify any other option at that point.

 

[pjm10626]

If you want stronger, install a arb locker but that also means you need air, and you also may as well get a rear locker, and if youre inside front and rear, you may as well regear if youre running 33 or larger..... but i cant justify or afford 4000 in gears and lockers in a 10+ year old rig.

 

[H E A V Y M E T A L]

Nitro gear front diff with arb air locker... That's what I did when my 06 blew.

 

[0tterPop]

@HEAVYMETAL Are you locked front and rear?

 

[H E A V Y M E T A L]

Yes sir I am locked thrice