What else should I do? 02 front diff shot-off to shop to rebuild, regear, arb f/r

[LCAdvocate]

I have a front diff out. Definitely front diff because I was with Toyota tech while they had it on the lift and the diff is grinding and vibrating like crazy when in drive. No brake or wheel bearing issues.

I'm taking it to a local diff shop because that is where all the Toyota dealers were going to "sub" it out anyway and since they are already pulling the diff I am going to regear to 4.88 and add ARB lockers to the front and rear.

Is there anything else I should do while going through this process?

 

[SanDiegoCruiser]

What caused the front diff to grenade? Since you have the 02, it's the stronger diff and I'm curious what you were doing that caused it to break.

 

[LCAdvocate]

What caused the front diff to grenade? Since you have the 02, it's the stronger diff and I'm curious what you were doing that caused it to break.

They will find out exactly when they tear into it, but my guess from the sound and vibration is that a bearing went out and everything else went to hell. I bought the rig used and you never fully know what you are getting. It could have been neglected or had an oil shortage, who knows. Look for the thread on the front wheel lock for that issue. I wouldn't call even the 4-pinions strong based on the number of failures I've read about. If I were still living in Denver, it would be going for a SAS.

 

[rusty_tlc]

Since you don't know the history of the truck I'd go through the IFS bearings etc. Inspect the control arm bushings.
Replace the axle CV boots, of course inspect the axles while you have them apart. If your pulling the rear axles to get the diff out for re-gear you may as well replace the rear axle seals, and bearings.

It called the "While your in there" syndrome.

 

[LCAdvocate]

Since you don't know the history of the truck I'd go through the IFS bearings etc. Inspect the control arm bushings.
Replace the axle CV boots, of course inspect the axles while you have them apart. If your pulling the rear axles to get the diff out for re-gear you may as well replace the rear axle seals, and bearings.

It called the "While your in there" syndrome.

Good advice, thanks.