wiseguymmiv

So I take my 4Runner into the stealership to pinpoint the slight grinding noise coming from under the center-to-rear of my truck. Toyota says the rear diff chunk is toast and the whole thing needs to be replaced at a cost of $1700 parts and labor.

For a second opinion, I take the Yota to a well respected 4X4 shop in town, which says he can usually tell by the sound what is wrong. This guy has been working on rigs for a few decades. After a test drive, he says it is likely only wheel bearings that need to be replaced ($300 for parts, labor and oil).

I do not know whether the stealership based their opinion on anything more than a test drive. The noise can only be heard if you are quiet while the vehicle is moving. It is an intermittent sound, not a constant sound.

Questions:

1. What is a reasonable cost to pay for parts and labor on replacing the rear diff chunk?

2. Any opinions on the problem and these 2 competing solutions?

Obviously if the 4X4 guy gets into the diff, he'll have a better idea of what is going on.

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

You can buy several complete rear axles for $1700.

I'd try the 4x4 shop...and even if it is the diff...source your own "used" for a LOT less than that ludicrous amount.

Then when you DO have it fixed...got show the DAs at your dealership what it costs to fix...I'll bet the farm it won't be anywhere near $1700...unless you are a sucker.

Snorkeldepth

I just talked to the guy today who's doing the major projects on my truck. He just fininshed the rear diff including installing new gears and an ARB. His labor was $410, the new gears were $140 and the master install kit was $165. I'm not so good at math. But, that isn't $1700!

AKennedy87

www.car-parts.com

get a new rear axle

wiseguymmiv

Sweet! Where is he getting the gears and kit? If it is a chain store with stores down South, I'll be going there soon. Hell, cross-country shipping may be worth it at those prices.

wiseguymmiv

Another Q: If I find a used rear diff with my 4:56 gears, how can I tell if it is on the verge of failing as well? No point in paying to do this twice.

curtiswyant

You can probably find a complete rear end for free if you're patient. Take a look at the numbnuts mechanic and ask yourself, "why can't I do this myself"?

wiseguymmiv

Where would I find one for free?

Snorkeldepth

http://www.rocktechoffroad.net/content.php?content.1

I stopped by the shop today and saw the work he'd finished. "Incredible" is all I can say. Chris is an extremely talented, experienced and dedicated guy. There aren't many like him.

I'm sure you can get gear sets and master install kits for those prices without too much difficulty though. I'll help if I can!

wiseguymmiv

Well, the stealership strikes again. It turns out that the 4X4 shop was right...I only had wheel bearings in need of replacement on one side. The diff was fine. I got both sides' bearings and seals changed, along w/ new oil for less than 1/3 of what Toyota wanted to charge me to "fix" the problem.

Toyota is going to be getting a nasty letter from me very soon...perhaps a flaming bag o' poo would send the right message.

The moral of the story...ALWAYS get a second opinion if the stealership quotes you a big price for repairs.

Tigerstripe40

You can buy a brand new TRD rear diff with an electric locker for $950!!!!

They are probably quoting a brand new rear diff with new wheel bearings.
Parts, labor, taxes, etc.

wiseguymmiv

Yea, but the point is the stealership told me as a matter of fact that I HAD to have the whole rear diff replaced b/c it was destroyed ("burned up") as a result of not changing the rear diff. oil, which was completely false. All I needed were wheel bearings...the rear diff was fine.