Trent,
>> ... the birfs click louder than the radio and the front differential is
>> howling annoyingly loud when on the gas, so it's time for a full rebuild.
Yes, and brace yourself as it sounds like you have major problems in front of you (no pun intended.)
>> The rig has 240K on the clock so it's probably due.
Yes, about 180k miles ago.
>> I've been told only to go with Toyota parts for the knuckle seals
>> and get the rest of the goods aftermarket.
You'll be better off getting all OEM parts. You can source the Timken wheel bearings to save a little.
>> Any suggestions as to where to purchase the mass of parts needed to do the job?
Give Cruiserdan a PM. He hangs out in this section every now and then.
>> I have not torn into it yet as it is my wifes daily driver
>> ( my new weekend wheeler).
>> Whats the chance the gear set in the diff. is worn and is causing the howling?
You could easily have diff problems if the diff fluid has gradually leaked out or if the axle tube seals are bad and grease was pumped into the diff through the plugs on the back of the knuckle. Christo posted a pic of a front diff that had grenaded. When they pulled the drain plug, it came out in clumps. The pics were sad.
You could have big problems in both front knuckles. You may need new spindles. The bad news is that they're expensive. The good news is the replacements have needle bearings instead of a brass bushing.
If you have never done an 80 series front axle then please refer to the recent posts for links, pictures, parts location diagrams, parts lists, etc. There are 3 or 4 fairly recent threads with links back to prior posts.
If the front has been neglected to this extent then you should be taking a look at the rear axle too. You may find more problems there if it hasn't been serviced in 240k miles. If you have rear disk brakes then you have a FF rear axle on your '93.
Good Luck,
-B-
