I am looking to buy a 1987 LanCruiser PU. Pretty rough but runs well. I will use it to get materials to and from a building site that is pretty much remote and just a trail. But no serious off roading. I am in Nicaragua and no ready access to a local "expert" to look/advise.

I see a fair amount of oil/fluid on the bottom of the front differential...looked at it a coupe of minutes hot and no drip that I can see.

Bottom like is what is significance of this to an otherwise good deal and a truck I need. I know this is a tough one to answer but take a shot. Can I live with it?

 

take a pic and post it, but it sounds just like a pinion seal thats bad. if you dont have access to parts, just keep an eye on oil levels

 

Thanks.

I can likely get it fixes...this is the land of Toyotas and lots of old ones.

Is this a big time repair? Like 300 bucks in USA or $1,000.

 

gonna do it your self? the seal is cheap if thats it

 

No..

But when I supply the pads, brakes installed on the front of my Jeep Wrangler are 10 bucks.

So, if it is a $300 job I can likely get it done for $40. Just want to be sure this is not a "replace the differential thing". I have to confess, last car I really worked on was a 55 Chevy. Know enough to be dangerous...and to ask questions. I figure 25 years on the roads here, something has to leak.

 

If you can do it yourself, $10 US! But it is helpful if there is someone you can go to, to help you. I did mine (rear differential oil pinion seal) with a friend. You need a 'special tool' to hold the flange (home-made, a piece of angle iron with 2 bolts to insert into drive shaft bolt holes). And you have to read up on how to "pre load" the bearing or it will fail shortly after. But having done it once with a friend, I am sure I could easily to it again! Not difficult if you are mechanically inclined, and you can download the FSM (factory service manual).

Until then, just keep an eye on how much oil is in the differential, and add oil if needed, no big deal (unless it completely fails on you). What you describe is not 'upsetting' to me in the least, and I am somewhat of a noob...

 

PS - if you DID have to replace the differential, if that is the "land of the Toyotas", you can probably get one for under $100!!! Salvage is a wonderful thing :o)

If there was a 'fatal problem', you would be hearing gears falling to pieces inside..slipping, grinding, clanging, ouch....