1995 4runner, 3.0 4wd. Got the bearings out and the new ones in, going to grab a seal and some gear oil in a couple minutes. Does the lubrication for the rear axle come completely from the diff fluid or does it need to be greased before reinstalling?

 

All lube is from the gear oil. The axle bearings are permanently greased and sealed at the factory.

It is a good idea to put a smear of grease on the seals so that they don't start dry..

 

this is timely. i just got back from a camping trip and wheeling in VT. when i got home, i noticed the driver side was slinging some fluid. i could smell it - gear oil for sure. looks like i'll be tearing into it this week, and replacing the ruined brake shoes, too.

explains why the parking brake wasn't holding whenever i hopped out to take pictures. at least the wheeling was good, with fantastic october weather and good new england fall foliage.