I just bought a cheap project truck monday, adn on the way home the drive train gave out. I expected this, and suspected a bering. Upon further inspection, I see that all the studs are missing from the 3rd member. The drive shaft keeps the third from falling completely out, but it is making minimal contact with the rear end. Smoke and sparks were flying out while I was driving, for just a bout a mile then it gave up.
I climbed under it this afternoon at lunch, and every thing seems to turn, but the berings definately need to be replaced. I felt around on the rear end, and the studs appear to be missing all together, not sheared off.
I'll take the third completely off this evening and inspect it. I have searched high and low, and I cant find a rebuild how to anywhere. I did vind a video that shows how to do it, but it isnt specifically for Toyota.
Does anyone know of a "how to rebuild a toyota third member"? Is the fact that its not seazed up a good thing? I am hopeing I can get away with putting new berings and have it all work out fine.
Also what is a good source for the rebuild parts for these.
Mt truck is a 1992 toy reg cab 4x4 3vze. according to the VIN it appears to be a us built truck (4TAVN01D0NZ013600). i CALLED TOYOTA AND HE SAID IT'S EITHER A 4.56 REAR OR A 4.30, BUT HE DIDNT KNOW WHICH AND HE SAID i WOULD HAVE TO COUNT THE GEARS.
tHANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP.

 

Go buy a used 3rd from someone or a wrecking yard and save yourself time and money. Just make sure you find out what ratio it is first

 

This is good advice.

 

yup i got a used 3rd for 50 bucks then paid 50 bucks to have it welded up by a professional so i still have my open one!!!

i like to do most of my own work but setting up a diff i leave to someone who knows how to do it!,, make sure the threads on the axle arnt fubar.. cause it might be better to get a whole junkyard axle!!

welcome to the fix a beater club...

 

Where the heck did you find a third for $50??

 

I got the bed off and the third off. the ring gear has 3 teeth with the edge broken off. the pitman or what ever inside is shreaded, completely smothe no teeth. Uh Oh. I called a few junk yards, it's looking like $250 for a salvaged one. Seems a little high to me??

I counted the ring gear teeth to determine final drive ratio, It has 43 and it look's like it measures out to 8 inches (not quite sure, I dont have a caliper so I am eye balling it with a tape measure). i assume this is a 4.30 rear end??