BackCountry4Runner

Recently bought a set of used 4:56 IFS front gears, and just noticed that they have some damage on the ring gear. There are a few cracks in the outer teeth, and some wear.

I'm guessing that I know the answer to this, but just want to be sure, are these OK to install, or should I view this as a learning experience, and just buy some new ones.

Cheers.

Crawdad

Wear can be fine, cracks are not. Can you get some pictures?

BackCountry4Runner

I'll try, but will have to be tomorow.

Crawdad

Sure. I would say that as a general rule, I would not install a ring gear with any structural damage such as a crack.

HOWEVER: it is possible they will run fine if the crack is outside the contact area on the gear tooth, and is not too bad/deep.

InternetRoadkill

The crack will cause the gear to fail.

dirtoyboy

I say run it and find out! (and carry a spare diff with you)

to4menon4u

a crack is considered a failure dont use it because you never know what else it is going to take out when it goes

Lysmachia

X-2 and if you can't unlock your hubs (front or rear) and remove your driveline... if the RG goes it'll take out a bunch of other stuff while driving it just to the tow truck....

tc

Installing gears is such a PITA I wouldn't chance it. Especially in the rear diff. With the semifloat rear axle, you don't have a whole lot of options with a broken ring gear.

MonsterMaxx

Are you really asking if you should run a cracked ring gear?

Unless you like being stranded on the trail and doing the job twice I'd think NOT!

Kaptain

It's going to be a pain to return the gears... I would run them until they break. IFS fronts are a dime a dozen.

After I re-geared I had a set of 4.10's that I decided to inspect after draining the gear oil - one tooth was over 50% gone and many of the others were cracked. Friend of mine NEEDED gears for a wheeling trip and he's put them through hell the past couple months and to my surprise they are still in-tact

874runner

My 4.10's in my rear end were cracked and then failed on me last summer... broke like 6 teeth off. But thats a rear end... as for the front id just throw them in since you already bought them and run them till they break... i mean it is only when you use 4 wheel drive.

hurley842002

Regardless of how long anybody may "Think" they will last, in this condition. Why take the chance of having to do such a PITA job twice, I mean it has visible structural damage, enough said.

BackCountry4Runner

Yeah, thought about it further, and while it sucks having wasted some cash on a bum set of gears, I think I'll cut my losses and hunt around for a new set. Thats what I get for not looking close enough at point of sale...which is like a 3 hr drive away....lol

BackCountry4Runner

True, but it was a front (IFS) ring gear, but thanks for your input.

Matt16

Can you return them to the guy who sold them to you? I guess if you missed it, he could have as well.

BackCountry4Runner

I'm not sure if I would be able to or not, but its all the way down in Abby, so it'd cost me more in gas $ & time than it is worth. Only paid $25 bucks for them so I'm not out too much. Although now I do have a set of good V6 R&P that I should look at shifting.

Kaptain

Just run it until it breaks... you can find a good third in the meantime.

Besides, it doesn't take long to swap out an IFS third member!