Gents,

need some help. Just picked up an 88 Runner with the 3.0. P.O had the hubs locked when I picked it up and I left it that way for a few days and then decided to unlock/free them till I need 4wd. Immediately after noticed a metallic clicking at speed. Sounded to be from the hubs so I jacked up the front to see if it was at the wheels. With hubs free the wheels hub clicked when turned. When locked clicking went away. Thoughts?? Do I just need to rebuild/repack hubs? (Hopefully!) or is it possibly CV/diff trouble?

 

If quiet when locked and clicking when set to free, almost certainly a hub issue.

Aisin or aftermarket???

Easy to assemble them wrong if you are inexperienced and have no instructions.

 

 

I know that if the lock/unlock cam is not joined to the internal/external splined lock piece inside the hub with the correct amount of retracting spring coils;

the lock piece will not retract fully, causing clicking, or sometimes not unlocking.

I have seen hubs ruined by running them like this.

There is only one correct way to assemble the hubs. Too much grease inside the hub can give problems too.

Here is one of several rebuild threads on here::: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...ild-up-158644/

 

Yes, even if the big spring is merely installed the wrong way, it may cause dial to mal-function. Search Youtube for Wheelie Pete's video on this.
Tnx, Space-Junk and Millball (for referencing) the tear-down/assembly post. I saved as PDF so I have local copy on my computer.