FYI, heard from the dealership. My power steering pump is crapping out. Part is on order. Warranty repair.
FJC Diff gears
- Thread starter Trollhole
- Start date
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I agree with your soapbox comments. I will admit that I played the game and I went to Atl Toy because I was also looking to build a relationship with a dealer. I had been there a few times for oil service and even had them change my diff fluids about a week before mine broke. That may be part of my success too--since they had just done service.
I also learned from talking to TT members that dealers don't make any overhead on warranty work, TMS Inc only reimburses for parts costs and bottom rung labor costs. So a retail service order would garner more $$ for the dealership than warranty work that required the same parts and labor time. That's big incentive for dealers to work themselves out of warranty work.
I've always suggested, that you need to play nice. Until you can't. I was prepared to fork out the cash for a new diff and went as far as getting Rick Arflin to order me one. He took receipt of it and notified me. I asked him to hold onto it until I heard from Atl Toy, because I had done some digging and found the research to back up known issues. Rick said he knew the parts mgr down here and would contact him for me. (Gotta luv Rick!)
When I went in for the diff repairs, I took all my skids off and put my 285's back on to help the dealer make a decision in my favor. The service writer did not know of any issues with the rear diff, but I made it *nicely* known to him that the FJCTT's knew of issues and had several repaired with a newer part number. I also told him where he could find a rear third member and gave him Rick's contact info. It took Atl Toy about two days to investigate and make a decision. I have no idea who they talked to or if a regional mgr or tech rep was contacted.
So maybe TMS, Inc is not having a good month or dealerships are feeling that end of the year dip in sales. It is ultimately about economics. It just seems odd to me (i've never owned a new car until this one) that Toyota would suddenly change the protocol on this issue.
I also learned from talking to TT members that dealers don't make any overhead on warranty work, TMS Inc only reimburses for parts costs and bottom rung labor costs. So a retail service order would garner more $$ for the dealership than warranty work that required the same parts and labor time. That's big incentive for dealers to work themselves out of warranty work.
I've always suggested, that you need to play nice. Until you can't. I was prepared to fork out the cash for a new diff and went as far as getting Rick Arflin to order me one. He took receipt of it and notified me. I asked him to hold onto it until I heard from Atl Toy, because I had done some digging and found the research to back up known issues. Rick said he knew the parts mgr down here and would contact him for me. (Gotta luv Rick!)
When I went in for the diff repairs, I took all my skids off and put my 285's back on to help the dealer make a decision in my favor. The service writer did not know of any issues with the rear diff, but I made it *nicely* known to him that the FJCTT's knew of issues and had several repaired with a newer part number. I also told him where he could find a rear third member and gave him Rick's contact info. It took Atl Toy about two days to investigate and make a decision. I have no idea who they talked to or if a regional mgr or tech rep was contacted.
So maybe TMS, Inc is not having a good month or dealerships are feeling that end of the year dip in sales. It is ultimately about economics. It just seems odd to me (i've never owned a new car until this one) that Toyota would suddenly change the protocol on this issue.
ugghh, then there's no telling what RHT is going to find on mine this weekend
ClemsonCruiser
Supporting Vendor
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Heather's meeting me at RHT on the way to Aunt Sue's. We're dropping off Dig-Dug for "regularly scheduled maintenance".... oil, lube propeller shaft, drive shaft bearings, valves, etc.... I also need them to install new UCA ball joint dust covers and new idler pulleys (already have the parts)...........
I just hope they don't find anything else that needs "unscheduled" attention.
then when H drives back to ATL tomorrow afternoon she'll drop me back at RHT. Then we'll meet yall at Alan's place for late night festivities and wutnot.
I've looked a little more into the toyota gears. Since Bill is interested in it too, here are my findings.
Toyota only has two rebuild kits for the FJ 3rd member. And due to the cost of the rear, I did not have the parts guy look any further. The MT is 3.90:1 and the AT is 3.73. Toyota does not offer any other gear options for the 8". Now for the cost: the rebuild kit for the 3rd member cost $800. I'm sure Ralph Hayes can offer us a better price. So you could rebuild the diffs on an AT with the MT rebuild kits.
So my search continues. I know that All Pro is another source. I have not called them yet, but just looking at their site they have everything to rebuild both ends with 4.56. But I'd really rather have the 4.11
Rick and Heather, you are both right on the money. It's all about the relationship you have with the dealership and how well the service center is doing that month. Warranty to non-warrenty ratio. It also helps to have the underside clean before you take it in. Dirty truck = you don't take care of it.
Toyota only has two rebuild kits for the FJ 3rd member. And due to the cost of the rear, I did not have the parts guy look any further. The MT is 3.90:1 and the AT is 3.73. Toyota does not offer any other gear options for the 8". Now for the cost: the rebuild kit for the 3rd member cost $800. I'm sure Ralph Hayes can offer us a better price. So you could rebuild the diffs on an AT with the MT rebuild kits.
So my search continues. I know that All Pro is another source. I have not called them yet, but just looking at their site they have everything to rebuild both ends with 4.56. But I'd really rather have the 4.11
Rick and Heather, you are both right on the money. It's all about the relationship you have with the dealership and how well the service center is doing that month. Warranty to non-warrenty ratio. It also helps to have the underside clean before you take it in. Dirty truck = you don't take care of it.
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Heather's meeting me at RHT on the way to Aunt Sue's. We're dropping off Dig-Dug for "regularly scheduled maintenance".... oil, lube propeller shaft, drive shaft bearings, valves, etc.... I also need them to install new UCA ball joint dust covers and new idler pulleys (already have the parts).
I just hope they don't find anything else that needs "unscheduled" attention.
then when H drives back to ATL tomorrow afternoon she'll drop me back at RHT. Then we'll meet yall at Alan's place for late night festivities and wutnot.
Maybe I'll see yall there, I'm picking up my parts Saturday morning before the meeting.
Demello also offers 4.56 for front ($550) and rear ($250). I haven't seen any 4.11's probably because most want to run 35's if they are going to the trouble to regear.
I just got off the phone with All-Pro and Demello and they have no source for 4.11's. Eric, you mentioned Southern Gear once...have you contacted them?
I just got off the phone with All-Pro and Demello and they have no source for 4.11's. Eric, you mentioned Southern Gear once...have you contacted them?
- Thread starter
- #29
You shouldn't need a rebuild kit on a 3rd that has less than 80k on it. Only thing I can think of is a crush sleeve and a new seal besides the ring and pinion.
They are next on my list.
Thanks Marshall. Good to know.
FJCRUZR
2011 4Runner Trail
Toyota Usa
We all have a lot to talk about tomorrow...
And as for what 's happening to my truck won't be mention online just yet!
We all have a lot to talk about tomorrow...
And as for what 's happening to my truck won't be mention online just yet!
FJCRUZR
2011 4Runner Trail
Here's more info on rear diff...
Way to go Toyota!
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/626091-post146.html
Update here! Busted diff repaired under warranty!
I wanted to thank everyone who has contributed to this thread with the foresight to be pro-active on this issue. I also have an "early build" and have the rear dif on the back of my mind. I'm also considering going with the 4.56 option before it strands me somewhere, if I can find a set of 35" tires that I can make fit.
I don't have a "rosey" relationship with my dealer, mostly none since I do most of my basic maintenance and only had it in for one service. I was planning on doing the same as Heather and go in for a "Q & A" if the rear diff were to go as well as the "body rip/bulge" issue with the early builds. I have to go in for a 20k service and will pose these questions. However, I have not heard good things about the dealer I bought it from in regards to warranty issues with the FJ Cruiser.
However, another dealer, a bit farther away has sold them with lifts and Demello bumpers off the lot. I may take a trip to them and see what they have to say after I talk with the dealer I bought from. Of course, I'll post any follow up info...
I don't have a "rosey" relationship with my dealer, mostly none since I do most of my basic maintenance and only had it in for one service. I was planning on doing the same as Heather and go in for a "Q & A" if the rear diff were to go as well as the "body rip/bulge" issue with the early builds. I have to go in for a 20k service and will pose these questions. However, I have not heard good things about the dealer I bought it from in regards to warranty issues with the FJ Cruiser.
However, another dealer, a bit farther away has sold them with lifts and Demello bumpers off the lot. I may take a trip to them and see what they have to say after I talk with the dealer I bought from. Of course, I'll post any follow up info...
FJCRUZR
2011 4Runner Trail
I suspect that a lot of dealership would be happy to work on any trucks(FJC's)...just ask around to people who have a good report with their dealership and ask question!