New to the LC 100--intro and couple questions--front differential

[Ahimsa]

Hi all,
Just purchased my first used LC a 2001 with 89k miles. Got it for under $11k and its in very good shape. Bought it on the spot after an inspection and test drive knowing it was going to sell quick as it was the only one with that mileage and price for at least 150 Mel radius!! Some minor rust here and there, but nothing like my Taco that I drove for 12 yards in NE salt!

Trying to do some mods to it as well as some maintenance. I have the timing belt and water pump kit to replace all of that. The used car dealer I purchased it from replaced the passenger side CV joint after I noted the boot was cracked. I had some initial rubbing noise from that but it has disappeared. My main concern was seeing some seepage coming from the front differential and figured I would need to tear it down and replace the seals. Some stuff I've read says if you replace the CV the inner seals ought to be done. Just wondering what others think on that!!

I've also been helped by reading the stuff on here about replacement of master key as mine came with a valet key only. Going to try to get the dealer to replace the ECU for free and just pay for a new master.

Was thinking of OME suspension and upgrading to 33"X11" (on the original 16" alloy rims??).

Mostly wanting to say hey and thanks for this site!! Very informative!!

Cheers

 

[bwell]

If seepage is occurring on the side the cv axle was replaced on it, the shaft might not be seated all the way into the housing.

 

[2001LC]

Which seal is leaking?
Make sure differential is topped off, before driving.

 

[Sandroad]

Welcome and nice find. Super low miles! Where is the diff leaking?

 

[Ahimsa]

Thanks guys!
I've had the belly pan off looks like the seepage is coming from where the axle goes into the differential. Hard to tell for sure but it is definitely oil and not grease.

 

[2001LC]

To make sure where it's leaking; clean area really good then keep and eye on.

If it's the same side Dealer replaced, I'd take it back. I'd also inspect Oil Seal & Dust Cover before they put front drive shaft back in. Excessive play at front differential Also look to see that outboard Dust Seal is in place. Make sure they follow all FSM procedures.

That seal is fairly easy to replace, but often it's not. Or it get knocked out of aliment while replacing front drive shaft (AKA CV).

 

[Ahimsa]

To make sure where it's leaking; clean area really good then keep and eye on.

If it's the same side Dealer replaced, I'd take it back. I'd also inspect Oil Seal & Dust Cover before they put front drive shaft back in. Excessive play at front differential Also look to see that outboard Dust Seal is in place. Make sure they follow all FSM procedures.

That seal is fairly easy to replace, but often it's not. Or it get knocked out of aliment while replacing front drive shaft (AKA CV).

Yes that's what I was also thinking

 

[Ahimsa]

I prefer to do the work myself though as the seller was at a random used car place not a dealer. I had the vehicle checked over at a dealer and they recommended timing belt replacement (belt alone) and repack wheel bearings $1700! I got the complete timing belt kit, hose kit, water pump, pulleys and tensioner (all OEM) for about $350 and plan to do that in an upcoming weekend. It doesn't look that difficult and I've done it successfully on my Taco. Was just wondering if people on the site have torn down front differential and had any recommendations for upgrades while that was being done. Read a few places where those seals should be replaced since you have the axle out at that point. I also don't think he used a OEM CV so that may be part of the problem. The dealer who checked it over said as much and that it wasn't a problem. Anyway I'm a bit anal about making sure everything is right. Overall LOVE the vehicle!!

 

[CanadianRockyCruiser]

I replaced my driver side axle seal (part number: 9031147013) for about $25 CAD. passenger side is basically the same proceedure. It took me about 4 hours, working slowly. My leak was slow and I didn't actually fix this for several years.

Here is a good link thanks to RobRed: Front Axle (CV) Assembly Replacement

Just be careful driving the new seal into place.. I used a pipefitting and drove it in with a rubber mallet, gently, until flush. I also used a bit of toyota RTV on the outside of the seal and inside of the axle lip.

 

[Ahimsa]

Thanks will do! Filled the reservoir over the weekend. Will check it again to see how bad the leak is. It appears pretty slow. I ended spending a lot of time replacing the retaining bolts that held the belly pan in place as many were bad some snapped off and had to be drilled and retapped.

 

[2001LC]

May be a little more difficult to watch for the leak(s) with the #1 & 2 shields back on. But at least you got that PITA job of drilling out bolts done.

 

[Ahimsa]

May be a little more difficult to watch for the leak(s) with the #1 & 2 shields back on. But at least you got that PITA job of drilling out bolts done.

Tell me about it I made the mistake of using some cheap drill bits and went through about five lol. Home Depot took the set back though hee hee