I have a 99 4Runner that has some serious issues. Metal shavings in the bottom of the rear diff. Chirping bearings oil leaking out of the drivers side rear wheel, and lots of road noise. If I was too replace the entire rear end wheel to wheel what would be the best option out there and source for parts? Should I go with a used toyota OEM unit or upgrade to something better? Mostly a daily driver with some mild off road use. Would like to have locking rear end since I have on occasion gotten stuck in my icy driveway and had to put her in 4WD. Help please!
99 4Runner rear end upgrade help
- Thread starter turkey4me
- Start date
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Bought my rear end off of car-part.com with e-locker if that is the way you want to go. Mine was delivered right to my garage and I moved it in till I was ready. I had some evidence of a oil seal leak and just now had to replace seals and bearings. be advised if you go e-locker and you do not have one now, you may have to wire in the entire thing if you do not have the pre-existing wiring. It depends on the model/trim. (what do you have?)
You may also have to get e-locker brain, dash switch and you must determine if you have ABS or not. If so, it is wired into the ABS to shut it down when you use the e-locker.
You have to confirm your axle gear ratio (side door code) and verify it on the pirate4x4.com section for 95.5-2004 4runner and tacoma section
They have a FAQ bible there that lists the codes.
From there you can order or repair your axle. I think if you repair, it will be pretty expensive. If it is just a bearing, be prepared to spend about $250 in toyota parts, seals, etc. $120 labor to have old ones pressed off and replaced, $70 in new brakes shoes and ?? with diff if you have a problem.
Swapping out the axle was not very hard if you have a friend to help. Est. 4-6hrs if you do not have not done it before.
I am sure there are lots of write-ups on mud, pirate, yotatech, and 4x4wire. just google "replacing rear axle 3rd gen 4runner"
good luck
You may also have to get e-locker brain, dash switch and you must determine if you have ABS or not. If so, it is wired into the ABS to shut it down when you use the e-locker.
You have to confirm your axle gear ratio (side door code) and verify it on the pirate4x4.com section for 95.5-2004 4runner and tacoma section
They have a FAQ bible there that lists the codes.
From there you can order or repair your axle. I think if you repair, it will be pretty expensive. If it is just a bearing, be prepared to spend about $250 in toyota parts, seals, etc. $120 labor to have old ones pressed off and replaced, $70 in new brakes shoes and ?? with diff if you have a problem.
Swapping out the axle was not very hard if you have a friend to help. Est. 4-6hrs if you do not have not done it before.
I am sure there are lots of write-ups on mud, pirate, yotatech, and 4x4wire. just google "replacing rear axle 3rd gen 4runner"
good luck
