Broken Front Differential - need help

[SaintRaj]

Hey there all. I had a good buddy of mine suggest this site after I bought my 100 series. I get tons of good info from here, but now I'm in dire need of very specific information.

Specs: 1998 Toyota LC, 150K miles. NO Mods

We've had a nasty ice and snow storm up here in the northwest (Seattle area), and I put my truck in the "ditch" ... Actually, it's not a ditch, it's more like a 12 foot, 70 degree embankment with a small stream at the bottom .

When it happened I went straight down the embankment and ended level at the bottom, so there was a fairly substantial impact on the front suspension. We got a tow truck to pull us out, but when I put the truck back in drive, nothing, just a whirring noise. When I pushed the button to engage the front AND rear, the rear tires ONLY will spin. Looked under the front end, and yellow gear oil was POURING out!

I drove it a few block to get it off the road and where I could look at it closer, and sure enough, the front diff third member casing has a large split in it just to the right of where it mounts to the underside of the truck.

So, I have a few questions...

1. Can I drive it home or to a shop to have the new parts put in, or will driving it (very slowly) will do more damage?

2. What parts will I most likely need? I've read a lot about the ARB. Is that a viable change to make at this point? This is not a wheelin' rig, so not sure if it's needed, but if it's not a whole lot more $$$, then may be worth it for the added strength.

3. Any suggestions on WHERE to pick up the parts? Price and availabilty are the main factors

4. How much out of pocket am I looking at to get this fixed?

5. Is there any potential of more damage? Any things I should be looking for?

Thanks for your help,

Raj

 

[NMuzj100]

1. Tow it. The case could split damaging more parts. A tow is cheap. Remember with the cruiser you will need a flat-bed or dolly all four wheels (they charge extra for this so request a flat-bed).
2. An ARB is in order. The $700 may not be worth it for you. At least make sure they put in the four-pinon if you don't go with the ARB when the work is done.
3. Cdan on this board but shipping to Washington could be tough.
4. How good is your insurance ?
5. Everything on the bottom of the truck needs to be checked. Get it into a shop and on a lift.

 

[Augie]

If the casing split due to impact then ARB would not help.
If you want to drive it you need to remove front drive shaft and drive plate at the wheel and lock the center diff lock. Flat bed tow truck would be best.

New 3rd member could be bought around $900-$1000 if you shop around.

 

[Japan4X4]

Do get the suspension and related parts checked. If you hit hard engough to crack a diff you likely have other things to attend to as well. It sounds to me like you looking at minimum $1000. Consider your insurance company if it climbs too much.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

Bummer Raj. Sorry for your loss....though the important thing is that you're OK.

 

[SaintRaj]

Thanks for the quick responses!

I sent cdan a quick note to see what he's got. Also, I'll be calling around locally to see what's available. I also got a hold of JT'S parts and they are checking for me. If I call the local used parts guys, can I look at the 2000 or newer for the 4 spline? I obviously don't want to replace it with the 2 spline.

Can I just get the casing somewhere, then put in the ARB?

Last question: is there any instructions to replacing this.

Thanks again for all your help

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

You might want to check out this place too:

http://car-part.com/

 

[Augie]

Do not buy used. Most of the used land cruiser parts are way overpriced because people perception of luxury car parts are very expensive. NEW OEM Land Cruiser parts are pretty reasonable.

Click the picture $789.10 complete front 3rd member

 

[woody]

another place to call and check is also off the Vendor list...believe they have full setups available....worth a call while yer shoppin

http://www.ringpinion.biz

 

[Letsgomoreplaces]

4 pinion will work

A 4 pinion unit will work in place of a 2 pinion unit.

 

[SaintRaj]

I mistyped on my last response. It WAS JT's Parts. They've come back with a rebuilt 4 pinion for $1050. I would love to go with the ARB, but I just can't justify the extra $700 for my wife's around-town baby mobile.

Now, I just need to make the decision to do it myself or take it to the shop. Is there any "how to" for this process? Any special tools I will need?

Thanks for all the great info!

 

[Campfire]

This is what your going to need. Part # 41110-60821 Carrier assembly list price $1108.91 but shop around or call Cruiser Dan. I picked mine up at the local dealer after dealing with them for $899+ tax. Watch the used parts places, I was told $1500 for a used unit. I had mine installed in about three hours in the garage but I have all the tools. (former mechanic)

You can add the ARB locker to the new one and be assured it'sd strong for an extra $600 or so bucks.

 

[SaintRaj]

Is that part number the 4 pinion version?

Also, is that www.toyotapartsales.com / www.trdparts4u.com guys in Dallas a reputable dealer? I called them, it's available to ship and the quote is right on at $789.10! I'm planning on ordering that today.

 

[ats4x4dotcom]

we done some mods to the diff to make it stronger as well when we have them apart, if wheeling the thing, may be worth doing at the same time .

Can give you, or your shop the details on how to do it if required.

 

[Campfire]

Is that part number the 4 pinion version?

Also, is that www.toyotapartsales.com / www.trdparts4u.com guys in Dallas a reputable dealer? I called them, it's available to ship and the quote is right on at $789.10! I'm planning on ordering that today.

Yes, it's the four pinion. The two pinion has been discontinued and replaced by the four. PM CruiserDan and see what he could do for you on it. Get everything else checked first. Sounds like you might need a lot more.