Just wondering if anyone knows where and for how much I can get a rebuilt front differential for my '87 4Runner. I've tried two of them from junk yards at $250 and both were bad. I'm being quoted around $900 new and don't want to pay that much. Or could I just rebuild it myself? Thanks!

 

what was wrong with them? were the bearings in bad shape or what?
Most front diffs dont wear out. they are rarely used, so please clarify what was wrong with youre old diff that made you change it out. I assume you are talking about the front diff from an 87 4runner based on youre screen name.

Welcome to YT.

 

Yeah, that's all correct. I believe that it's the bearings and other various parts in there that are worn. It vibrates above 30mph. I've tried 2 of them now from a junk yard and they are both the same. The part with the flanged end that goes into the main housing itself has play in them all when you wiggle it and I don't think that it should at all. How about rebuilding or buying a rebuilt one? Thanks!

 

i just got a complete drop in 3rd member from randys ring and pinion wit 5.29 gears for 500 shipped!! 900 is a rip off unless it has a locker in it
if you talking a front ifs diff it will run you about 650 from them. try to repair the needle bearings in the front that makes the flange go loose and will cause you to loose some oil out of the seal

 

All you might need to do is to tighten the nut that holds the flange (that the driveshaft bolts to - I assume that is what you are talking about) to the pinion shaft. If that nut is not properly staked (dimpled into the slot on the pinion shaft) it can work loose. It is a somewhat common problem and fairly easy to fix.