My 1980's front pinion seal is leaking and I was wondering if there is a way to tell if it has a solid pinion spacer or a crush sleeve with out removing the pinion and carrier? I want to switch to a solid spacer while I have the axle all apart but if it already has one I don't want to pay for something that isn't needed. I have read that 80-81 should have a solid spacer up front, but I just don't know what previous owners have done.

Thanks
Mike

 

I think maybe all first gens have solid spacers, but I can't remember right now.

I know of no way to tell without pulling it apart.

 

thanks for the reply. Anyone know if 1984 3rds have crush sleeves or solid spacers? I also have a 1984 I just picked up and if my 1980 doesn't need the solid spacer I could use it on the 84 when it starts to leak.

 

yes 84's had crush sleeve .. I memory serves me .. 79 and 80 were the only years tht had the "spacer" . I remember doing ARB's on my 80 and they were spacers


.

 

My '81 had/has solid spacer. Mfg date on truck is 10/81.

 

I'm pretty sure my 83 had a solid spacer when I last tore into it.

 

yup , just checked .... 08/78 - 06/83 RN3* , 4* LN40
had solid space from factory
should have done that the first time , but I was short on time



.

 

You're correct.

1/79-7/83 used the same solid pinion spacer.
http://www.toyotapartszone.com/oem/t...231-39010.html

EDIT: Depending on which EPC you look in, the date range changes by a few months.

8/78-6/83 here.
http://www.toyodiy.com/parts/xref?s=41231-39010&mU=on

The pre-96 Toyota dealership EPC I have running on my computer states 8/78-7/83.