I think I broke my front diff what are my options? (1 Viewer)

[sdnative]

I was going up a sandy / rocky section in the local desert when I lost traction. The truck slid left into a rock while the front wheels were spinning trying to get traction. I was very light on the throttle, RPM was around 1200-1500, ATRAC was active. Tire started bouncing then apparently gripped and I heard a pop. At first I thought the tire had thrown a rock up against the skidplate. As I backed down and turned around I could feel a slight bind every 5 feet or so. I drove it maybe 50' to a flat section then pulled the drive flanges and front driveshaft and limped it home in 2wd. I haven't pulled it apart yet, but pretty sure it's the diff. I am guessing I broke a tooth off the ring gear.

This is in my 2003 LC.

So... what are my options?

Is it just a matter of pulling the third and replacing the ring & pinion? Does the housing or other components typically get damaged when the gear breaks?

I have a factory locked rear axle (from a 99 so 4.30 ratio) I was going to swap in. I was planning on regearing that to 4.10 as I didn't want to mess with the factory front. Now that the front needs repair I could regear that to 4.30. I feel that the 4.30 ratio would be a good match to the 33" tires, but not sure how common replacement gears are in that ratio.

I may put in a locker while I am in there. Does anyone make a reasonably priced e-locker for the front? I really don't care for the ARB.

Would love to get some opinions.


This is the obstacle, except it wasn't nearly that rough. Most of the deeper sections were filled in with sand. I was going up towards where the jeep is sitting.

(This is an image I found on the web, I was not with this vehicle/group)

 

[Skidoo]

Harrop makes a front ELocker for the 100. I have Nitro front 4:30 gears with 20K miles I am looking to sell, since I just regeared to 4:88
You need a press and some other special tools, setting up the gears is tricky, having just done it.
If you are looking for someone to setup your diffs you can't go wrong with this guy and he has experience with Harrop.
Toyota Gear Install Harrop
You do need to pull 3rd and send them to him.
If you are going to do it yourself, check out his website to see what is involved.
Most times it is just ring and pinion damage, the housing and case are seldom damaged. When my front diff went it took seven teeth off the ring gear, after 4 bonces. Everything else was fine.

 

[krice118]

I have often thought that the 4.3 diffs from the 98-02 would compliment the 5 speed transmission in the 03+ and 33in tires perfectly. I have no mechanical background, just always thought for someone with the 5 speed who will stick to a 33-34in tire this combo would be perfect.
Definitly add a locker up front whatever you do that way you wont have to replace another front diff. When I replace mine I will go with a a harrop E locker as well

 

[bwell]

The replacement gears are common enough. I put new oem gears in my front, lucky enough for you, I believe your truck being an 2003 and later, you should already have the 29 spline pinion to prop flange, so you'll save some money right there(only a $100ish, but some better than none.)

 

[duggy]

@sdnative I still have the corresponding rear 3rd member that went with that axle housing I sent to you, so if you were looking to regear, this could possibly save you some cash.

 

[sdnative]

@sdnative I still have the corresponding rear 3rd member that went with that axle housing I sent to you, so if you were looking to regear, this could possibly save you some cash.

I don't think you sent me an axle housing. I think I inquired about it, but it never materialized. I ended up getting one locally.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

 

[duggy]

I don't think you sent me an axle housing. I think I inquired about it, but it never materialized. I ended up getting one locally.

My apologies. I do think it ended up in California anyways.

 

[sdnative]

I will most likely have the front rebuild by someone like Zuk or Progear while putting in a locker and also swap in the rear axle I have. 3x locked would be pretty sweet. I am also considering selling it as-is and possibly getting into a 200 series. I may stick with the 100 for a few more years as there is still a pretty significant price jump to a 200, even a 2008.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

@reevesci is a Harrop dealer, he'll get you set up.

 

[wardharris]

@orangefj45 - AKA Georg Esterer at Valley Hybrids runs a Harrop in front of his early 100 Series and is pretty happy with it. Addressed a weak OEM design and made the fronts go around with a OEM style switch managing rear factory and front elocker. He, Duggy or Zuk can hook you up. The fronts are a little bit of a PIA due to the housing. We have sold around 500 Harrops in North America so we know a little bit.

Here is Georg at Pismo a few years ago - hard to see, but there is a Harrop sticker in side window....

 

[Ohthetrees]

I presume if you don’t like the arb, you don’t like air lockers in general. But I’m very happy with my TJM air locker. I wanted an air compressor anyway for my tires. I like that the TJM uses an air powered external actuator, it does not pressurize the whole diff chamber, which makes future maintenance and repair easier, seals are not a problem, and oil will not foul the lines. Locks up quick, and seems to be built very well. Has held up perfectly to a couple of long overland and trips, and some moderate wheeling.

 

[sdnative]

it does not pressurize the whole diff chamber, which makes future maintenance and repair easier, seals are not a problem, and oil will not foul the lines.

This is the main reason I don't want the ARB. I have heard many people say this is not a problem, but I would rather have an elocker if given a choice. I was trying to get a TJM when they were on closeout a couple years ago but wasn't able to. I may still go that route if there is a large enough price delta.

 

[custyota]

@sdnative was that up near Fish Creek area? I can't remember the name of that particular canyon.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

the fronts are a little bit of a PIA due to the housing.

Elaborate on that a little more? What's difficult about the housing and install?

 

[Skidoo]

Elaborate on that a little more? What's difficult about the housing and install?

Expect he is referring to having to pull CVs then whole diff as it is not a true 3rd member design. It then breaks down to the size of a 3rd member after you take the driver side diff tube off.

 

[SanDiegoCruiser]

@sdnative was that up near Fish Creek area? I can't remember the name of that particular canyon.

Yep looks like Sandstone Canyon. I was just out there this weekend and decided not to attempt that obstacle with my triple locked 100..

 

[sdnative]

I did that same obstacle back in November with no issues. Just had to pivot around the top rock on the left with my slider. I think my issue was over confidence and not being patient. Being the second truck in line I was anxious to go up knowing I had done it before recently.

 

[wardharris]

Elaborate on that a little more? What's difficult about the housing and install?

You have to split the housing and then put it back together. Not a lot of space, I am told.

 

[sdnative]

What do you think I could sell it for as-is? Rough ball park. It has 133k miles. Always maintained, garage kept. Looking at all options right now. I will most likely fix it and keep it for a few more years, but am looking at 200s as well.