Newby..... Broke front diff! Where do I get it fixed? San Diego

[SocalLCruiser]

Hello all. Long time lurker first time poster. I wish I would have looked into the weak link with an otherwise awesome truck!

I have a 2003 Land Cruiser that has spent its entire 1 owner life on paved roads. It has 190k on the clock. It has been maintained meticulously.

We bought my wife another vehicle for economy and I kept the Land Cruiser to build into something I had always envisioned. I started with OME medium springs and 2.5 inch lift in the rear. We re-indexed the torsion bars (thanks to the detailed posts on Mud) to raise the front. I left 1” rake and had it aligned. Then bought some Tunda Wheels, 295’s, used a heat gun on the plastic wheel well liners...... Then went wheeling! 20 minutes in and 2 hours from home.....blew the front differential! Fortunately I had a friend with a big trailer and truck close by to haul the LC home.

At the time I wasn’t sure what broke. After more research on here I was able to isolate the issue. I’ve since pulled the front drive-shaft and drive hubs. Kinda fun driving as 2wheel drive on the streets until I find out where to take it to be fixed that won’t break the bank.

I’ve read the threads on repair shops but have not found one near me that will do the repair and add a locker without spending a fortune.

Does anyone know of a good repair shop in the San Diego area? What should I expect to pay for fixing the diff and adding a locker?

Thanks in advance,
Mike

 

[BillZ260]

Where you wheeling in sand and get some traction on a rock or something? You cant' really transition from high wheel speed to traction very well in any 4WD, something will give.

 

[abuck99]

If you have the work space, you can pull the front diff out ( job) and ship it to Zuk in AZ to set up for you. He is also on Mud
gearinstalls.com

He focuses on Toyota set ups, has a good reputation. Dont underestimate the expertise required for Toyota set ups; it can make the difference between troublefree and troublesome operation. If you are going in with a locker and haven't already purchased on-board-air, consider going with a Harrop E-locker.

 

[Das Shtig]

If you have the work space, you can pull the front diff out ( job) and ship it to Zuk in AZ to set up for you. He is also on Mud
gearinstalls.com

You don’t need any work space except the room between the truck and the ground—I swapped my front diff in my apartment parking lot.

Wish I had known about Zuk a few months ago. I ended up just swapping in another OEM diff I bought on here. Though I am happy to have one set up at the factory in Japan by Toyota master technicians, so I’m not unhappy about it or anything.

 

[rb4638]

Differentials And Axles, Gear And Posi - Pro Gear - San Diego, Ca

 

[Overlandeffex]

I have not had work done by Noah, but he is a stand up guy and very knowledgeable. His company is Noah's Ark Toyota 4x4. He is here on mud as well. @1973Guppie , Come on up for our meeting tonight at Mike's BBQ in Escondido. 6:30 start time and have fun with other cruiser heads.

 

[SocalLCruiser]

I have not had work done by Noah, but he is a stand up guy and very knowledgeable. His company is Noah's Ark Toyota 4x4. He is here on mud as well. @1973Guppie , Come on up for our meeting tonight at Mike's BBQ in Escondido. 6:30 start time and have fun with other cruiser heads.

I’ll try and make it. I’m actually from north county.
Mike

 

[Overlandeffex]

We will be in the owners box...and some of the guys get together early for drinks before in the bar area. I have to work tonight but tons of other guys and girls will be there.

 

[1973Guppie]

I agree with others that how the diff is setup is extremely important. Especially if you are spending money on an expensive locker or other aftermarket differential. The cheapest solution would be to swap in a stock differential. How did you break the diff? Curious what conditions led to the break. Will respond to your PM. Thank you for the referral @Cruiser Bauers

Noah

 

[custyota]

San Diego Trux off of Miramar! I think I met you at the meeting last night

 

[guardcompany]

San Diego Trux off of Miramar! I think I met you at the meeting last night

Agreed call SD Trux and start there. They are the best in the business. I’m in North County as well.

 

[SocalLCruiser]

I agree with others that how the diff is setup is extremely important. Especially if you are spending money on an expensive locker or other aftermarket differential. The cheapest solution would be to swap in a stock differential. How did you break the diff? Curious what conditions led to the break. Will respond to your PM. Thank you for the referral @Cruiser Bauers

Noah

I broke the diff when I came to a small vertical step (maybe 16 inch) on an uphill climb. There were holes where others dug in trying to get over the rock ledge. I backed up a foot or so and tried using momentum to help me pop over the ledge with the front wheels. I think my right front may have come a little off the ground and when it came down @#$%^&! The sound was not one I ever wish to hear again!

I dropped the LC at PROGEAR today. I spoke to Kraig and Justin. They were awesome. Kraig took the time to show my 12y/o son and I all different types of Differentials and the significant differences between each type. It was a true learning experience!

If all goes well, my LC will be a 4x4 again by Monday. And it will have an ARB Air Locker in it. I can't wait.
​

San Diego Trux off of Miramar! I think I met you at the meeting last night

I met a bunch of great people last night at the Club meeting. Thank you all for the great advice! We look forward to doing some of the upcoming events.

Mike

 

[fblainen11]

Hi. My name is Blaine Newby and I thought you were talking to me for some reason. Turns out you're referring to yourself. Carry on.