I am getting ready to replace my outer rear axle seals, and re-do my brakes. The bearings don't make any noise at all. So, my question is, Since I am pulling it all apart anyways, should I go ahead and do new bearings, retainers, inner axle seals? That way everything is new. Or, should I just keep it cheap and simple by just doing the outer seals?
any opinion helps!

 

look at the bearings, ,heck i would - if you can afford it and want to keep the truck , i would replace them, for peace of mind, knowing thats the rear is done.

 

If your 4Runner has over 150.000 miles on it, replace the bearings, you will already have everything a part so its worth doing. My 86 4Runner has over 200.000 miles on it and when i pulled the rear axles to install my locker the bearings were so bad that i don`t even know what was holding them together.

 

the inner axle seals are a weak spot on the 3rd gen Runners. You don't mention a mileage but they typically fail at 75-90K miles.

My drivers side rear was done 2x before the new and improved part number was recommended by Toyota. Final digit of the part number is a 6, I can probably get the whole number if needed but any of the local stealerships should know all about this also.

Toytec is local for your upcoming lift-personally I believe TRDPARTS4U.com has better pricing and saves sales tax.

Like that courtesy light mod you have going there

 

So we spent most of Saturday pulling apart the rear axle. replacing the seals, re-building the drum brakes and flushing the brake system. The Passenger side wasn't bad at all. but the driver's side was absolutely disgusting. I know that it is not done if there are no pictures, but we were on a time limit and I wasn't about to get the black sludge all over my camera. All in all it was a fun project, fairly simple. Drum brakes were the hardest part. Thanks to everyone's info and input. I love yotatech! This weekend I am attempting to conquer the timing belt, water pump and accessory belts....... then the week after that, OME lift. it has taken me a while, but she is comin along nicely.

 

So stay in touch if you would consider doing this for others locally for parts or money or both.

For example- I still need my pass side axle seal done and would prefer to do it before trashing my rear brakes again. We held a lift day at my garage once before and I would host another if/when you are ready to do that. Several CO guys from Co4Lo and hanging out here and on T4R to meet and greet. For all I know you are one of them...