Help Front Diff Problem
 

i found where my front diff was leaking. it is where the axle on the passenger side goes into the front diff. not where the driveshaft enters the front diff like i thought. also that whole thing that goes into the diff is VERY loose. is there a bearing that could have went out. also would this cause vibration and a growling noise which im expierencing?

they tend to be loose they are only held in by a circlip, i thought mine was leaking at one time but it was just residual oil from an oil change.

but this feels way too loose. there is alot of play in it. its the thing that goes into the diff with a flange on it that connects to the axle. and when i turn it its real noisy. i guess i'll be ok as long as i dont use my 4x4. but isnt there a inner pinion bearing in the diff?

heres the parts explosionhttp://www.alldatapro.com/alldata/PR...51672/41765887

parts (8) are differential carrier bearings. parts (13) and (15) are pinion shaft bearings. parts (3) and (8) are axle bearings.
passenger side axle flange is part (2) near the middle of the pic, where a bearing marked (3) is located.
that bearing could cause play in the shaft and with excessive wear, damage to the oil seal and leaking.

http://abecedarian.toythieves.com/4runner/susp/ifs.gif

all i see is a box with a red X in it. is this a hard job and how long will it take? will it be ok to still drive it?

[IMG]http://i535.photobucket.com/albums/e...0/41765887.gif[/IMG]

desert-rat660 has posted a replacement pic... :D
I've also edited my post up above to show the pic.
you should be okay to drive it if you leave it out of 4wd and unlock the hubs.

thanks so much for the diagram. and input.

Parts [3] are actually oil seals!

http://www.toyodiy.com/parts/p_U_198...MSEA_4301.html

Look at part 41304P in the diagram and the description.

what exactly is the name for seal in there. and how many are there?

Seal, Oil (for Differential Side Gear Shaft)

the seal wouldnt be causing your noise, have u drained the oil in it and checked for chunks of metal

Or is your oil low?

my oil was low and i topped it off but there is still noise.

but would the front diff cause any vibration?

What kind of vibration are you getting? 2wd/4wd? Offroad/Street? Need more info to help you out.

So you don't have a solid axle, I'm assuming because you didn't tell them they gave you the wrong diagram if so?

i dont have a solid axle. also the noise is while im in 2wd just driving normal on the street. i know my lower balljoints are shot and need replacing maybe that could be it.

If you have manual hubs and they are unlocked while you are driving in 2wd on the street, then the vibration/noise has absolutely nothing to do with your front diff.