Bent Out of Shape: Rear Axle Trouble After a Nasty Knock

[bloc]

Would I be able to just use this or do I need to regear the front diff to match as well?

Your diff ratios definitely need to match. What is the current ratio?

There’s a good chance you can still use the third member with gears out of your current axle, but removing it to swap over will add significant labor.

 

[linuxgod]

Your 2013 LX has the same 3.909 ratio from the factory. If you haven’t changed gears then this will work

 

[Sandroad]

I found someone selling a complete rear end for a good price (1500).

However, the rear end is regeared at 3.91. Would I be able to just use this or do I need to regear the front diff to match as well?

And a quick addendum to @bloc ……. Swapping over gears from your current rear end also adds special expertise. A complete axle swapped in is pretty much just unbolt-bolt, but setting up gears takes someone who very experienced with that.

 

[yOHda]

And a quick addendum to @bloc ……. Swapping over gears from your current rear end also adds special expertise. A complete axle swapped in is pretty much just unbolt-bolt, but setting up gears takes someone who very experienced with that.

Dropout 3rd there boss.

This is a messy thread.

 

[bloc]

Being in Canada I wasn’t sure their ratios were the same. But yeah if it’s 3.909 to 3.91 that’s the same thing.

 

[linuxgod]

Being in Canada I wasn’t sure their ratios were the same. But yeah if it’s 3.909 to 3.91 that’s the same thing.

For the OP: We refer to them as 3.90 or occasionally 3.91 gear around here but the actual ratio IIRC is 3.909:1.

FWIW due to the number of teeth on the ring and pinion for a specific size ring you’ll generally find there are a fixed list of ratios used across a lot of manufacturers. You won’t see 3.88 or 3.93 gears for instance, at least not in a 9.5” rear.

 

[TeCKis300]

I

And a quick addendum to @bloc ……. Swapping over gears from your current rear end also adds special expertise. A complete axle swapped in is pretty much just unbolt-bolt, but setting up gears takes someone who very experienced with that.

I suspect @linuxgod is correct. Should still be confirmed.

If it does need swapping, exchanging the 3rd member is pretty trivial especially with the whole axle assembly out

The OP should still exercise some due diligence to confirm the panhard bracket on the chassis side is not damaged/tweaked. Hopefully the replacement axle comes with a panhard as I wouldn't reuse the current one.

 

[warriorofthelost]

Thanks a lot guys - my other diff is bone stock so this should be fine.

Another question - I found a nice shop run by an ex-Lexus mechanic who is willing to do the work. However, this part is hard to find so they said it would be a better idea if I ordered the part.

HOWEVER, they said that while they would warranty their work - this wouldn't apply to the part and if anything was wrong with it after installing I would have to pay for removing it and installing the replacement (another 1500).

While it seems sort of fair for them to say that - it does leave me a little worried about being stuck with an endless bill. After all, I have no way to verify if the used part is indeed good (it does come with a 30 day warranty).

Further, the dealers want an extortionate amount of money for this job (10k ish) so that is a no go.

What do you guys recommend? Should I find a shop and have THEM locate the part so they are able to warranty the whole thing ($$$)? Or should I go ahead with this used ebay part and pray that everything is problem free? What would you do?

 

[NikP]

so they are able to warranty the whole thing

I doubt you'll find a shop that will warranty the hole thing, especially if there's a used part involved. If you want little doubt then go back to the dealer an pay for all new parts. If your looking to save some coin it comes with a little faith that used parts do the job. These vehicles are pretty bullet proof and I doubt your used part will have issues. With a 30-day on the used part, you should know pretty early in the process if there are issues, IMHO.

 

[Sandroad]

Thanks a lot guys - my other diff is bone stock so this should be fine.

Another question - I found a nice shop run by an ex-Lexus mechanic who is willing to do the work. However, this part is hard to find so they said it would be a better idea if I ordered the part.

HOWEVER, they said that while they would warranty their work - this wouldn't apply to the part and if anything was wrong with it after installing I would have to pay for removing it and installing the replacement (another 1500).

While it seems sort of fair for them to say that - it does leave me a little worried about being stuck with an endless bill. After all, I have no way to verify if the used part is indeed good (it does come with a 30 day warranty).

Further, the dealers want an extortionate amount of money for this job (10k ish) so that is a no go.

What do you guys recommend? Should I find a shop and have THEM locate the part so they are able to warranty the whole thing ($$$)? Or should I go ahead with this used ebay part and pray that everything is problem free? What would you do?

Have you priced out new parts? I suspect most of the dealer extortionate (good word) amount is labor. Could you do new parts from one of the online discount places and have the indy mechanic install?