Rear Diff Issue

[Counsel]

Hi all--longtime lurker. But it is now time to post. My '09 GX was totaled last month. Couldn't have possibly picked a worse time to buy a used vehicle. I searched for 3 weeks. Last Tuesday I found a '06 GX four hours away. 227k on the odometer. The records on the Lexus Drivers website looked good (especially compared to all the other GXs I was looking at), and had been cared for later in its life by an independent shop owned by a former Toyota tech.

So, when I test drove it I could hear a slight whining noise from what I believed to be the right rear wheel; it would get slightly louder with speed. I (mistakenly) believed this to be the RR wheel bearing needing to be replaced (was familiar with the issue having dealt with it on my '09). I decided to purchase anyway. Needless to say, mistakes were made...

Took it to a local shop today to get oil changed and investigate the noise this morning. I used this shop once before to do the air bag delete in my '09. They have, I sh-t you not, 7 LCs out front. Apparently every employee there owns a LC. Was always jealous.

Long story short, they informed me that my rear diff needed to be replaced. Parts + labor $2,900 (I bet this doesn't include tax). I am, to put it mildly, crushed. But I am solely to blame. I guess my question is whether this price falls in line for what's expected for this repair. Also would be interested in hearing any advice on confirming the this is, in fact, the problem. Thanks.

 

[Rednexus]

Did they tell you what specifically is wrong with the rear differential? I would ask for an itemized quote and diagnosis or get a second opinion. These GXs use a drop-out third member differential, which theoretically should not be a big deal to replace with a rebuilt or good used part (though I have not yet replaced one).

 

[aztoytec]

Welcome! I’m sure you can find a used 3rd member or diff for a lot cheaper . Along with what Rednexus said find out what exactly is the problem.

 

[Counsel]

Did they tell you what specifically is wrong with the rear differential? I would ask for an itemized quote and diagnosis or get a second opinion. These GXs use a drop-out third member differential, which theoretically should not be a big deal to replace with a rebuilt or good used part (though I have not yet replaced one).

Thanks for the reply. To be honest, it was such a gut-punch, I did not ask specifics. They did give me an itemized quote:
"Rear diff needs hub bearings, collars, and seals. Labor $1,115.00. Parts and labor installed for new 3rd member diff is $2,939.00"

I got a recommendation for another local shop that I'm going to take it to, hopefully tomorrow. Now that I've had time to come to grips with it, I'll be prepared to ask for a lot more specifics. I suppose I should also consider taking it to Toyota/Lexus to get their opinion.

 

[Counsel]

Welcome! I’m sure you can find a used 3rd member or diff for a lot cheaper . Along with what Rednexus said find out what exactly is the problem.

Thank you. Will do.

 

[HomersCanyonero]

Wait! If you are screwed and you have to rebuild the diff, then spend a little more and get the 8.2” rear axle that’s more robust than the stock 8” rear diff.

A lot of people who have their 8” rear diff explode while wheeling…strongly consider going 8.2”

Just search YouTube for gx470 rear diff issues and you will see several videos of this

 

[Counsel]

Wait! If you are screwed and you have to rebuild the diff, then spend a little more and get the 8.2” rear axle that’s more robust than the stock 8” rear diff.

A lot of people who have their 8” rear diff explode while wheeling…strongly consider going 8.2”

Just search YouTube for gx470 rear diff issues and you will see several videos of this

If I am screwed, this is a hell of an idea. Will definitely look into this

 

[Counsel]

Additional question: assuming the rear diff does in fact have to be replaced, am I risking likely further damage to other parts of the drivetrain by continuing to drive it?

 

[Rednexus]

For just a 3rd member the price seems very high. East Coast Gear Supply sells rebuilt 3rd members for less than $1k. You can probably find a used one for less than that. The labor also seems kind of high for a straightforward job, but again I have not personally done one. I would shop around and get a 2nd opinion

You should still be able to drive the GX some, albeit I would stay local with it and get if fixed soon.

Edit: $735 plus shipping for a rebuilt 3rd member:

Toyota V6 8''- Pickup, 4runner,FJ Criuser

Complete Assembled Toyota V6 3rd member Fits: 86-95 V6 Toyota Pick-up and 4runners 96-2009 present 4runners without Elocker 07-09 FJ Cruiser without Elocker You can also add these Upgrades:

eastcoastgearsupply.com

 

[Counsel]

For just a 3rd member the price seems very high. East Coast Gear Supply sells rebuilt 3rd members for less than $1k. You can probably find a used one for less than that. The labor also seems kind of high for a straightforward job, but again I have not personally done one. I would shop around and get a 2nd opinion

You should still be able to drive the GX some, albeit I would stay local with it and get if fixed soon.

Edit: $735 plus shipping for a rebuilt 3rd member:

Toyota V6 8''- Pickup, 4runner,FJ Criuser

Complete Assembled Toyota V6 3rd member Fits: 86-95 V6 Toyota Pick-up and 4runners 96-2009 present 4runners without Elocker 07-09 FJ Cruiser without Elocker You can also add these Upgrades:

eastcoastgearsupply.com

Thanks for the response and providing that link. Seems reasonable. I'm taking it to another guy Monday and will see what he says.

 

[GXO]

Additional question: assuming the rear diff does in fact have to be replaced, am I risking likely further damage to other parts of the drivetrain by continuing to drive it?

yes , you will. Catastrophic failure of the rear third member will ensue if it gets worse. I agree with replacing just the third or swapping the housing. Labor is actually cheaper swapping a housing if they don't have to rebuild it.

 

[rommelrommel]

If you’re inclined, swapping an 8.2 can be done in the driveway and they have the coil seats so that’s another minor savings.

 

[Counsel]

If you’re inclined, swapping an 8.2 can be done in the driveway and they have the coil seats so that’s another minor savings.

I'm on it