Bad diff from Marlin?

Alberta4x · 08-03-2012, 04:44 PM

Hey guys, just installed my new diff that I got from Marlin. Its an 8" diff with 5.29's and a Grizzly locker that I'm running in the back of my 4runner. It seems to me like there is way too much play in the diff, about 1/4 turn of the pinion back and forth without turning the ring gear. Took it on the road and when I let off the gas it howls. I'm pretty disappointed because its a brand new differential and Marlin has such a good reputation.

Would this be caused by a bad gear pattern? Backlash? I know enough to make good conversation but I'm no expert at setting up a diff.

I'm not exactly sure what I want to do about this yet... but I'm sure I will be calling Marlin next week. Just thought I'd fill you guys in on my experience. I'm still very confident that Marlin has good stuff, I've purchased another diff from them before and I'm very happy with it, just a little bummed about the situation especially since I'm trying to get my 4runner back on the road in a hurry.

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cman1 · 08-03-2012, 05:26 PM

call marlin...they'll straighten in out.

**dropzone** · 08-03-2012, 05:57 PM

First step should have been to contact Marlin customer service they are open mon-thur
they do have a customer service forum:
http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?board=63.0

westjohns yota · 08-03-2012, 10:23 PM

my trailgear 3rd has always done this, ive never had a problem with it except for the howling.....

myyota · 08-03-2012, 11:54 PM

I bought two third members for my 86 4Runner a about 4 yrs ago from Marlin Crawler, one was for the rear with a detriot locker and the front has an ARB. Neither one makes any noise at all, and neither one had any play in it when I got them. Call Marlin Crawler and explain the problem and they will make it right.

96vettelt4 · 08-04-2012, 07:51 AM

i ll scond that Marlin will make it right, top notch customer service...

Alberta4x · 08-04-2012, 03:19 PM

I don't doubt they'll help me out, I've heard nothing but good things about them. Just a little disappointed... I don't want to have to send it back and wait for another one, I suppose I'll just have to suck it up and find a way to get around haha. I'll be calling them first thing Monday.

96vettelt4 · 08-04-2012, 06:41 PM

I was just getting ready to order a complete diff from Marlin...Let me know how things work out..as i said before Marlin has great customer service so i dont have any doubt they will take care of the problem but im not to sure about the Yukon differential..i ll wait and see....

waskillywabbit · 08-05-2012, 05:34 AM

How long has it been since you serviced or replaced your u-joints?

Alberta4x · 08-05-2012, 08:05 AM

U joints are new, its not the U joints, there is way too much play in the diff itself.

ZUK · 08-06-2012, 01:32 PM

Regarding the howl on de-accel....a lot of times that's a loose pinion. Any oil leaking out the pinion seal yet? Also, new gears need a reasonable break in period. If the gears are allowed to overheat too much then the pinion sees the worst of the damage. Chipping the teeth on the pinion and the teeth on all 40 ring gear teeth are still good might be a sign of a heat problem.
I see it as best to remove the 3rd and inspect....run a pattern if you have some yellow marking paint. That can tell the whole story.

Alberta4x · 08-07-2012, 03:08 PM

I honestly put the third in the truck and drove less than two miles before parking it, I'm sure it would start leaking if I drove it farther. I knew right away that something wasn't right so I didn't want to drive it at all. I called Marlin yesterday morning and they asked for a video to confirm, so I emailed them a video and I'm still waiting to hear back. It sounded like they are going to fix the problem and pay for shipping of the third both ways. I would rebuild it myself if I had them time but I'm way too busy with work right now and then school starts up again soon.

Alberta4x · 08-13-2012, 01:57 PM

Just to keep you guys updated, just talked to Marlin again and they said to ship it back and they'll fix it no problem. The two guys that I talked to (Zack and CJ) were both very helpful. I'll try to get pics of the pattern and post them up before I ship it off.

Stuwy123 · 08-13-2012, 09:08 PM

Putt the old diff back in the rear axle, take out the rear driveshaft, put 'er into 4wd and go to town.
I've done this for a day or so while I was having a new driveshaft made up.

Alberta4x · 08-19-2012, 08:43 AM

I don't have a front driveshaft yet

I'm just running the stock rear third for now.

Alberta4x · 08-27-2012, 11:09 AM

Sorry I couldn't get a picture of the pattern, but i dropped it off for shipping today so hopefully this can get taken care of soon.

Alberta4x · 09-11-2012, 02:04 PM

Just got off the phone with Zack from Marlin, he said the diff builder tore it down to take a look and said there was nothing wrong with it? Which I really don't understand because when turning the pinion by hand it would go tight-loose-tight-loose, and how it howled so bad on deceleration. They put new bearings in and are sending it back today or tomorrow so it should be up here in a few days. I will be sure to take pictures of the pattern this time and post them up.

ZUK · 09-11-2012, 08:40 PM

yep.....painted patterns would have told a story

Alberta4x · 09-11-2012, 08:47 PM

From what I understand... howling on deceleration is either from a bad pattern or a bad pinion bearing, or pinion bearing preload since the bearings were brand new. So if Marlin is saying that the pattern and backlash are good, my assumption is that the problem lies with either the pinion bearing (that they just replaced so the problem should be solved when I get it back) or the pinion nut was not tight enough or something along those lines?

Alberta4x · 09-16-2012, 02:13 PM

I got the diff back Friday morning, putting it in tomorrow. I took some pictures of the pattern and I'll try to post them up right away. It seems like they fixed the problem, it feels a lot better now.

08-03-2012, 05:26 PM	#2 (permalink)
cman1 Registered User Personal Sales Rating: (0) Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: greenville,wi Posts: 667	call marlin...they'll straighten in out. __________________ *1980 longbed, 22r,32/36 weber,* *L52-5sp ,3"pro-comp lift in front,* *zuk mod in back w/13" 100lb blackmagic coils in back* *and 5125 bilsteins* *all around,custom rear bumper,33/10.50/15/BFGs,* *custom console and door panels* *future upgrades;* *header w/2.25 exaust* work sucks...period! If you can't fix it with a hammer...it's an electrical problem!

08-03-2012, 05:57 PM	#3 (permalink)
dropzone Fossilizing Personal Sales Rating: (3) Staff Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: PNW, rusting away Posts: 13,782	First step should have been to contact Marlin customer service they are open mon-thur they do have a customer service forum: http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?board=63.0 __________________ ~robb '81 Toyota Trekker The B4Runner Mini FAQ/Ideas PNW wheeler group: Gitout.Com

08-03-2012, 10:23 PM	#4 (permalink)
westjohns yota Registered User Personal Sales Rating: (0) Join Date: May 2011 Location: pensacola FL Posts: 1,739	my trailgear 3rd has always done this, ive never had a problem with it except for the howling..... __________________ previous rides 87 shortbed 22r 33s 268rv cam-sold 85 shortbed 22re 35s 4in lift- frame was junk 83 longbed 22r 5in lift-sold 82 shortbed 22r-sold 86 longbed 22re SAS 5in springs, 5.29s detriots 36 tsl's on board air 12k mile marker, - sold current rides: 1997 chevy ext cab z71 95 chevy s-10 LS1 swap 5 speed, my sleeper ill be back in the yota game soon! "anything can be done with time, money and patience, mostly money though....."

08-03-2012, 11:54 PM	#5 (permalink)
myyota Registered User Personal Sales Rating: (0) Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: GrangeVille, Idaho Posts: 4,174	I bought two third members for my 86 4Runner a about 4 yrs ago from Marlin Crawler, one was for the rear with a detriot locker and the front has an ARB. Neither one makes any noise at all, and neither one had any play in it when I got them. Call Marlin Crawler and explain the problem and they will make it right. __________________ 86 Toyota 4Runner Solid Axle Swap, 5'' lift, 37x12.50-15 MTR`s, Trail Gear High Steer, 5 speed manual swap, InchWorm Duel Cases, 63'' Chevy Springs In The Rear, 5'' Trail Gear Springs In Front, 27 Spline Chromoly Axles In Front, 4.88 Gears, Detroit Locker In The Rear, High Pinion Front With An ARB, Downey Header, AFM Upgrade, 95 Amp Alternator, Trail Gear Sliders, Addicted Offroad Front Bumper.

08-04-2012, 03:19 PM	#7 (permalink)
Alberta4x Registered User Personal Sales Rating: (0) [OP] Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: St. Albert, AB Posts: 194	I don't doubt they'll help me out, I've heard nothing but good things about them. Just a little disappointed... I don't want to have to send it back and wait for another one, I suppose I'll just have to suck it up and find a way to get around haha. I'll be calling them first thing Monday. __________________ 1987 4Runner

08-04-2012, 07:51 AM	#6 (permalink)
96vettelt4 Registered User Personal Sales Rating: (0) Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Kissimmee, Florida Posts: 113	i ll scond that Marlin will make it right, top notch customer service...

08-04-2012, 06:41 PM	#8 (permalink)
96vettelt4 Registered User Personal Sales Rating: (0) Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Kissimmee, Florida Posts: 113	I was just getting ready to order a complete diff from Marlin...Let me know how things work out..as i said before Marlin has great customer service so i dont have any doubt they will take care of the problem but im not to sure about the Yukon differential..i ll wait and see....

08-05-2012, 05:34 AM	#9 (permalink)
waskillywabbit Banned Vendor Sales Rating: (10) Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 26,699	How long has it been since you serviced or replaced your u-joints?

08-05-2012, 08:05 AM	#10 (permalink)
Alberta4x Registered User Personal Sales Rating: (0) [OP] Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: St. Albert, AB Posts: 194	U joints are new, its not the U joints, there is way too much play in the diff itself. __________________ 1987 4Runner

08-06-2012, 01:32 PM	#11 (permalink)
ZUK Registered User Personal Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Phx AZ Posts: 1,045	Regarding the howl on de-accel....a lot of times that's a loose pinion. Any oil leaking out the pinion seal yet? Also, new gears need a reasonable break in period. If the gears are allowed to overheat too much then the pinion sees the worst of the damage. Chipping the teeth on the pinion and the teeth on all 40 ring gear teeth are still good might be a sign of a heat problem. I see it as best to remove the 3rd and inspect....run a pattern if you have some yellow marking paint. That can tell the whole story. __________________ www.gearinstalls.com 2001 white Xtra-cab Taco 3.4L auto TRD 88 Runner/V6/auto/31"/5.29gears Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. - Benjamin Franklin

08-07-2012, 03:08 PM	#12 (permalink)
Alberta4x Registered User Personal Sales Rating: (0) [OP] Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: St. Albert, AB Posts: 194	I honestly put the third in the truck and drove less than two miles before parking it, I'm sure it would start leaking if I drove it farther. I knew right away that something wasn't right so I didn't want to drive it at all. I called Marlin yesterday morning and they asked for a video to confirm, so I emailed them a video and I'm still waiting to hear back. It sounded like they are going to fix the problem and pay for shipping of the third both ways. I would rebuild it myself if I had them time but I'm way too busy with work right now and then school starts up again soon. __________________ 1987 4Runner

08-13-2012, 01:57 PM	#13 (permalink)
Alberta4x Registered User Personal Sales Rating: (0) [OP] Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: St. Albert, AB Posts: 194	Just to keep you guys updated, just talked to Marlin again and they said to ship it back and they'll fix it no problem. The two guys that I talked to (Zack and CJ) were both very helpful. I'll try to get pics of the pattern and post them up before I ship it off. __________________ 1987 4Runner

08-13-2012, 09:08 PM	#14 (permalink)
Stuwy123 Registered User Personal Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 664	Putt the old diff back in the rear axle, take out the rear driveshaft, put 'er into 4wd and go to town. I've done this for a day or so while I was having a new driveshaft made up. __________________ Canada Toyota 4WD Association Join Us

08-19-2012, 08:43 AM	#15 (permalink)
Alberta4x Registered User Personal Sales Rating: (0) [OP] Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: St. Albert, AB Posts: 194	I don't have a front driveshaft yet I'm just running the stock rear third for now. __________________ 1987 4Runner

08-27-2012, 11:09 AM	#16 (permalink)
Alberta4x Registered User Personal Sales Rating: (0) [OP] Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: St. Albert, AB Posts: 194	Sorry I couldn't get a picture of the pattern, but i dropped it off for shipping today so hopefully this can get taken care of soon. __________________ 1987 4Runner

09-16-2012, 02:13 PM
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09-11-2012, 02:04 PM	#17 (permalink)
Alberta4x Registered User Personal Sales Rating: (0) [OP] Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: St. Albert, AB Posts: 194	Just got off the phone with Zack from Marlin, he said the diff builder tore it down to take a look and said there was nothing wrong with it? Which I really don't understand because when turning the pinion by hand it would go tight-loose-tight-loose, and how it howled so bad on deceleration. They put new bearings in and are sending it back today or tomorrow so it should be up here in a few days. I will be sure to take pictures of the pattern this time and post them up. __________________ 1987 4Runner

09-11-2012, 08:40 PM	#18 (permalink)
ZUK Registered User Personal Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Phx AZ Posts: 1,045	yep.....painted patterns would have told a story __________________ www.gearinstalls.com 2001 white Xtra-cab Taco 3.4L auto TRD 88 Runner/V6/auto/31"/5.29gears Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. - Benjamin Franklin

09-11-2012, 08:47 PM	#19 (permalink)
Alberta4x Registered User Personal Sales Rating: (0) [OP] Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: St. Albert, AB Posts: 194	From what I understand... howling on deceleration is either from a bad pattern or a bad pinion bearing, or pinion bearing preload since the bearings were brand new. So if Marlin is saying that the pattern and backlash are good, my assumption is that the problem lies with either the pinion bearing (that they just replaced so the problem should be solved when I get it back) or the pinion nut was not tight enough or something along those lines? __________________ 1987 4Runner

09-16-2012, 02:13 PM	#20 (permalink)
Alberta4x Registered User Personal Sales Rating: (0) [OP] Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: St. Albert, AB Posts: 194	I got the diff back Friday morning, putting it in tomorrow. I took some pictures of the pattern and I'll try to post them up right away. It seems like they fixed the problem, it feels a lot better now. __________________ 1987 4Runner

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