I have a 3L with ADD that has some major noise/vibration in the front end.

Here is a bit of history on the problem. I developed a MAJOR low pitched whine from the right front, not that much vibration. When I put it into 4wheel drive the noise goes away, when you hit a bump the noise goes away only to return again (usually by another bump). So completely intermittent and at all speeds. I was under the truck yesterday and noticed some up and down play on the side gear shaft going into the right side of the diff, way more play than the left side. Judging by the diff breakdown picture it looks like the main side bearing that the bearing cap on the carrier bolts to. Any other thoughts?

Until I get into it I wont know for sure, but I have never taken a diff apart before. Is this a very difficult job? Is it absolutely 100% needed to pull the entire diff out? Anything I should know before I get into it? Is there anything that should also be looked at and/or changed while I am at this stage?

Thanks for the help guys!

-anyone selling a cheap lunchbox locker for the front they want to sell

 

Spindle bushings, based on the intermittend vibration/comming and going with bumps and such.. Been covered dozens of times...

 

Yup... check this out - it's 91 4Runner's writeup and it helped me IMMENSELY!

https://www.yotatech.com/~corey/tech...imrockford.htm

 

hahaha man I searched this forum for weeks on this and couldnt find anything...
hmm the only worry that I have is the fact that he says it gets worse under braking, mine just stays the same.

Also, when he says "if it clunks back and forth" does he mean in and out or up and down??

 

took another look and the play is definately from the diff side. so i think the spindle bushing is fine?

 

It will get worse.

 

I think at this point I am going to have to pull the diff and check it out closer. So I might as well do the spindle bearings/bushings what ever they are as well.

Thanks for the help guys!