peak333

I have a leaking differential at the gasket between the housing and rear 3rd. Today I unscrewed the drive shaft from the rear 3rd and took out the 10 bolts surrounding the housing. I drained the oil and attempted to remove the rear 3rd from the housing but I felt quite a lot of resistance. I pried at it with a bar and it is loose on all contact points but I feel a lot of resistance still and don't want to damage anything by pulling too hard. Should there be a lot of resistance? Am I missing a step before pulling the rear 3rd off? Please HELP! I need to get this truck done by Saturday at the latest. Thanks!

daved5150

iTrader: (1)

You have to disengage the axle shafts enough from the third before you pull the third. That's what you're feeling holding in the third. Here is a link to alot of FSMs.



Rear axle info.

peak333

Thanks for the links. Is removing the axle shafts difficult to do? Will I need a special Toyota tool to do the job?

StewsRunner

iTrader: (1)

It's not to bad, just loosening the break cables etc. Be careful pulling the 3rd out, it's heavy!

Edionne13

Remove the axle shaft about 4 inches. Have something there to support them. The 3rd is heavy have someone help you take it out. It's a surprise when they come out, just that amount of weight. Let the gasket dry if you're doing an RVT.

peak333

Thanks for the info guys. I was able to get the rear 3rd off without too much trouble. PB Blaster really helped with all the bolts holding the axle shafts in. I did loose a little bit of brake fluid. Is that going to interfere with braking when I drive again? I imagine there will be an air bubble in the brake lines. Going to apply the RTV and put the rear 3rd on. It was heavy taking it off alone but I was able to get it. Will be interesting to put back on as I only have a bottle jack so will have to lift it by hand.

Also, would you guys use loctite on your bolts when you put everything back together? Any recommendations for torque specs on the bolts for the axle and the stud bolts around the diff housing?

Thanks again for helping me on my most major DIY car repair to date.

peak333

Do I need to bleed the brakes after everything is done?

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

Yes it is should be done!! Any time a brake hose or line is disconnected brakes need to be bleed.

If you don`t have some sort of vacuum bleeder or power bleeder you will need help.