Hi, and help! Front diff grenaded

[MtnGoat9]

Greetings from the gorge!

Been looking for a localish Toyota club for tips and trips. This forum stood out while perusing the options. Excited about joining!

On to my woes...

2000 SR5, manual trans, stock wheels, 360k. I'm heading to work on the highway, BANG whacka grind whaka grind....

I pull over immediately. All tires good. Nothing hanging down. Front boots fine, etc etc. I get back in, starts and runs fine. I shift through everything on trans and transfer case, all smooth. I put it in gear, bang judder judder grind.

I had it sent to the dealer. They tell me the front diff ate itself and one half shaft (splines). And that I need a differential carrier...

This is my first 4x4 and I've never messed around up front so I don't know the terms, this is basically the entire front diff assembly, right? Not just the shell?

Because when I look it up at toyotadiscount.comor whatever, it says they're in stock and 1800ish...but the picture looks like a housing or case, not something with splined sockets and driveline attachments and stuff.

then they're wondering about gear ratios and I'm thinking criminy guys you're supposed to be the experts! something about rare 4.3s or a common 4.1.

comments?

Photo vitae below

 

[Mudder]

Your door code will have to axle ratio on it. It’ll be a set of numbers and letters that tell you. One you have that it’s possible to get a rebuilt diff from other sources. East coast gear supply does good work and their front differential is about 810 with the upgrades they offer.

As for the front CV shaft, there’s a bunch of different ways to get those. Either OEM Toyota or local auto parts stores have them.

Link to ratio codes

OEM Gear Ratio Chart

The axle code for your rig can be found on the manufacture's sticker located on the driver's side door jamb as follows: First digit: A = 7.5" ring...

www.tacomaworld.com