The rear differential on my 87 Runner is leaking enough that I am braving the heat/humidity. Last night I removed the drive shaft and nuts which secure the third to the differential/axle. The third did not fall away as I had thought it would. Instead, it seemed to be hung up so I tightened everything back up and did a search on YT. I found this thread which indicates that the rear wheels (inner axles) need to be pulled out before the third will come free.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/9...eaking-156414/

Is this the same for an 87? I am looking through the FSM for more information/pictures, but thought I would get input as well. The following is a list of what I think needs to be done in order to get the third's gasket replaced:

1. Disconnect the hydraulic brake lines on both rear wheels.
2. Disconnect the e-brake from both rear wheels.
3. Remove 4 bolts which secure the rear wheels to the axle housing and pull entire wheel/axle free.
4. Remove bolts securing third and pull free.

Missing anything?

 

That is all there is to it...

But I would suggest removing the wheels first to make it easier. And getting those rear brake lines lined back up can be a little bit of a pain in the butt......

Oh, and drain the diff first.......And don't forget to refill....

P.S. Sweet avatar........

 

Make sure when you pull out the axle shafts they never touch your inner axle seals, don't even lightly rest them on the seal, pull them all the way out. If the seals get deformed, they need to be replaced.

 

Many thanks. Might just pick up two seals and replace each since they are exposed.

 

The seals at either end of the axle housing are the inner oil seals. The bearing is completely sealed and contains all the lubrication it's ever gonna get. There's an oil seal on the bearing case (the thing that holds the bearing) as well, this is the outer axle seal.

 

Go to #3. Philbert has a good one for an 87 4Runner.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...osting-204178/