Clunk- Mechanic is saying I need a new front Differential (1 Viewer)

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I have been having the what I thought was normal clunk when going from Reverse to Drive in my 100 series. Based on online research I thought it was a bushing issue but my mechanic is saying I need a whole new front differential. I do trust the mechanic but he was only able to find one diff from a dealer for $3k. Is there any questions I should be asking or where should I be looking for a new differential? Is used worth it for example?
 
That DNR clunk is likely from worn axle splines going into the hub flanges. Go under your truck and grab the outboard axle side and try to twist it back and forth, if it moves and make little clunk then that might be your issue.
 
When was the last time you greased your drive shafts. I'd start with greasing them. Then check bushings and flanges. Front differential could be bad but not very common.
 
He owes you an explanation for exactly WHY you need a new differential. What year is your 100, and what seems to be broken? Dunno, $3K seems awfully high to me. Some guys replace their front diff in the 100 with a locking unit like this: Eaton Toyota LC100 IFS E-Locker4 Locking Differential - https://trail-gear.com/eaton-toyota-lc100-ifs-e-locker4-locking-differential.html
00. I bought it a year ago with 260k miles. Previous owner states it is the original diff. It was driving fine so I think I may take it to an Toyota specific mechanic.
 
He owes you an explanation for exactly WHY you need a new differential. What year is your 100, and what seems to be broken? Dunno, $3K seems awfully high to me. Some guys replace their front diff in the 100 with a locking unit like this: Eaton Toyota LC100 IFS E-Locker4 Locking Differential - https://trail-gear.com/eaton-toyota-lc100-ifs-e-locker4-locking-differential.html
I think a locking diff is the way to go if I need a new one. Here is the part he gave me: toyota 411106A171
 
HIGHLY unlikely that it's just the diff, if it is the diff at all (there would likely be other symptoms/noises). Check driveshaft grease (it takes a LOT if it hasn't been done in a while), diff mounts, and worn splines and flanges, as those are the usual suspects.
 
Worn bushings, worn inside axle splines or driveshafts as others have pointed out. "Needs a new differential" is a highly unlikely solution. Seek a second opinion after you've checked the obvious issues listed above.
 
unless he drained the diff oil and found chunks and showed them to you
you most likely do not need a new diff
 
I removed most of my clunk with new driver side CV and new hub flanges. They absolutely wear and with 260k, likely needs it as most folks don't maintenance their bearings often enough if at all. But I still have a little clunk when going from R to D. could be worn axle gears or even worn transfer case gears. I plan to regear this year and will see if that helps the small remaining clunk. Otherwise it's likely the t-case.
I've greased the driveshafts before plenty. Did nothing. I personally don't see how grease or lack thereof can be a true source of a clunk. If anything the driveshaft splines are worn from lack of grease, but adding it back can't really do anything but mask the noise. IMHO
 
Park in neutral with the parking brake on, reach under the front and grab the cv at the thick end by the wheel. Rotate it back and forth. Odds are it will make noise. For $3k, it makes sense to spend an extra $200 to get a second opinion.
 
My clunk was awful and it sounded like it was coming from the front diff but I just replaced both my axles and hub flanges with oem stuff and it 99.9% gone. replace with oem stuff and go from there.
 

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