Front Diff Tear Down (1 Viewer)

[VermontFJ60]

Since I got the axles apart, I’m planning on tearing open the front differential and replacing the gasket. First time doing this so I’m wondering if there is anything else that should be addressed in the process.

Also, what’s the go-to diff fluid to replace it with?

 

[4runner2FJ60]

Are there any issues with it? There is A LOT of worms you get into when you starting considering replacing the differential and pinion bearings. Pinion seal may be worth replacing over those. Changing the crush sleeve to a solid collar is a great upgrade, but big learning curve. You have to decide how far you want to go with it. BTW it looks good! What paint did you use?
Everyone will have an opinion on the diff oil. For new gears I run the cheap Valvoline 80W-90 for the first 500 miles, easy short trips. Then switch to AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR Synthetic...the expensive stuff.....for used gears as well.

 

[VermontFJ60]

Are there any issues with it? There is A LOT of worms you get into when you starting considering replacing the differential and pinion bearings. Pinion seal may be worth replacing over those. Changing the crush sleeve to a solid collar is a great upgrade, but big learning curve. You have to decide how far you want to go with it. BTW it looks good! What paint did you use?
Everyone will have an opinion on the diff oil. For new gears I run the cheap Valvoline 80W-90 for the first 500 miles, easy short trips. Then switch to AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR Synthetic...the expensive stuff.....for used gears as well.

It's been sitting since I took ownership of it 3 years ago. Finally getting around to restoring it a bit. I'm doing the knuckle/axle rebuild right now and I figured I should at least change the large front diff gasket. I don't want to get into it too deep or more than that if I don't have to. So maybe I'll stop at just the gasket and go from there.

I used SEM Rust Shield on it after sand blasting it down. Came out pretty well and eager to see how it holds up once it's back on the road.

Thanks for the tips on the diff oil too.

 

[4runner2FJ60]

Diff gasket is the easiest part, may as well.... assuming your inner axles are already out? Rear has that pesky C clip you must remove from the back cover removed. Unless you have a free float rear?

 

[VermontFJ60]

Diff gasket is the easiest part, may as well.... assuming your inner axles are already out? Rear has that pesky C clip you must remove from the back cover removed. Unless you have a free float rear?

Inner axles are indeed out. Haven't gotten into the rear diff yet...

 

[diesellibrarian]

Was the differential carrier gasket leaking? If not, I'd leave it alone. If you do change it, be sure to clean the paint off the stud threads before you remove the nuts, or you'll likely end up pulling the studs out of the axle housing.

 

[kevin in okinawa]

what the librarian said. ^^^^^^^