Am I getting screwed on 175K mile and differential service?

[GiganteWang]

Hello Folks! I'm a long time listener, first time caller here at IH8MUD. I'm reaching out to see if y'all can help a brother out.

I took my 2010 J200 in today (2/1) to a reputable (per Google Reviews) local shop for my 175K service, They reported back that everything looks pretty good, but that my differential looks to be leaking and requires a takedown and rebuild. Total cost $1800.

My spidey senses tell me that I'm getting boned without even a goddang reach around. Am I right or just completely paranoid? Oh, I'm in Houston, TX 77055 if that makes any difference. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

P.S.
Below are the pics that the indy shop sent me before recommending the service.

 

[Big Timber]

Have you crawled underneath or did they show you that it's leaking? What dealer did you take it to? Take it to another dealer or better yet, an indy shop that you trust.

 

[GiganteWang]

They showed me the attached pics (updated original post). Honestly, looks clean to me, but I'm not a mechanic. I build spreadsheets.

 

[bhsdriller]

I'd just wipe it clean and drive it.
Maybe put some cardboard down in the garage if it's even dripping

 

[drmwvr]

Take it to Duggy's Garage and have them take a look at it.

 

[GiganteWang]

Have you crawled underneath or did they show you that it's leaking? What dealer did you take it to? Take it to another dealer or better yet, an indy shop that you trust.

The indy shop sent me pics. I updated my original post with the pictures. Thanks for your reply.,

 

[GiganteWang]

Take it to Duggy's Garage and have them take a look at it.

Looks like they specialize in LCs.

 

[drmwvr]

Looks like they specialize in LCs.

Yes sir, they do. Duc works on both my 100 and 200 series. They post a lot about modifications but a lot of their business is maintenance. Its just not IG sexy!

Duc is a Mud member on here so he might chime in.

 

[TLC2013]

Hit it with some brake cleaner or degreaser and clean it up. See if the leak/seepage reappears. Also check the drain and fill plug, looks like it may be leaking from there. Could be a loose plug or an old/bad gasket that goes between the plug and differential. My Transfer case had a little seepage from the fill plug that ran down the side of the t-case when it was a hair loose.

 

[ToyotaTechnical]

First confirm that its the actual Dif thats leaking. Leak could be coming from a bad/ reused gasket under the plug. Could be as simple as replacing the crush gasket.

If it is in fact the Dif leaking, they usually will just be wet. You can just monitor and top off on fluid for the time being. Do this as long as you can stand or until leak gets to be severe.

 

[hblx570]

Your getting bent over!
Get a second opinion.

 

[duggy]

Yikes....a couple of things here. That drain plug has been hit with an air hammer. The difference in metals from the drain plug and the differential can cause that plug to seize and one of the methods to get it off is indeed with an air hammer, but they should have replaced it.

I would not recommend a full rebuild of the differential just for a leaking diff plug. Replace the drain plug, fill the diff back up, and clean the area and inspect every oil change to confirm the leak is getting worse. If so, it's time to address, but right now I am not concerned about it. Let us know if we can help, we're on the Northside of town. Happy to take a quick peek at it!

www.duggysgarage.com

 

[jrmudder92]

My case half were leaking badly also. I had east coast gear supply (ECGS) reseal it. Heres the invoice of it. they did not end up using the shim kit. said everything looked perfect. so it was even less also had them drain and refill rear diff and t-case and did my oil change. I still walked out less then 1K. For the price they gave you they better install a air locker or something haha.

 

[GiganteWang]

My case half were leaking badly also. I had east coast gear supply (ECGS) reseal it. Heres the invoice of it. they did not end up using the shim kit. said everything looked perfect. so it was even less also had them drain and refill rear diff and t-case and did my oil change. I still walked out less then 1K. For the price they gave you they better install a air locker or something haha.

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Thanks for sharing! I'm quickly coming to the conclusion that they've charged me at least $500 more than necessary due to make work for themselves.