Hi guys. New here, first post.

I have a 97 tacoma, 4x4, 2.7, 5-speed manual. It has a little over 204,000 on the ticker.
My front and rear transfer case seals are leaking and the front output shaft bearing is probably bad. I have tried searching a few other forums and talked to several toyota mechanics for info on replacing these items and no-one has seem to have taken one apart.

My questions to you guys are:
1) Has anyone ever had this problem?
2) Has anyone done this?
3) How hard is it to do?

My father is a mechanic and I have some mechanical knowledge. I have another vehichle ( new to me 85 4runner ) so down time is not a problem. Thanks for any information guys.

 

It is a common problem. If there is still oil in there its doubtful you have a bearing problem.

1. I personally have not but have read lots about it.
2. No
3. Other experiences say 20-30 mins if you can turn a wrench

Read this thread. http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39302
Then download the FSM for your year : http://www.ncttora.com/FSM/1996/96_r...searchable.pdf
Or have a look at the online FSM for the 01-04 (most everything is the same) http://www.ncttora.com/FSM/2003/index.html

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the info scuba, more than I have found anywhere else.

 

Most people don't "fix or repair" T-cases. They over look it and ignore it... If theres something wrong with a t-case its usually "Remove/Replace"

But if you know how to do it or can get a good manual its not a bad job to change those seals and keep riding. While you are at it i would change the fluid and be sure not to over fill or you will blow out those seals again.

 

Scuba hooked me up on some great reference material.

I plan on dropping the case anyway so draining and changing the fluid will not be a problem.

Dont think I ever over filled it, but I did buy it used so the PO could have done it.
I also never ran it dry either, but when I engage the case ( hubs locked or not ) I get a nice growl. This is the only reason I think the bearing is bad.

 

Yup !

Most people as in, y'all with older trucks ?

Your statement sounds like, I'm going to replace all the drywall in my house because 1 portion has a crack/hole.. or what have you..

If the transfer case still works, why replace it ?

 

Well i was talking about if it was not working. Just general talk.(I go to typing and well... Stopping is hard) Like i said personally i would fix and or change the seals. And dry wall in a house is alot differnet then a 4wd transfer case in a Toyota truck.

 

A few of my trucks have had leaking transfer cases and its a pain to find good refurbished units. any one got any suggestions other than junkyards?