Hey guys regular from Toyota-4Runner.org here.

I pulled out my rear right side axle to have the bearing replaced. The bearing, both rings, and ABS rotor were replaced. When I am sliding the whole assemble back into the tube on the rear-end, it hits something in the pumpkin and won't go all the way in. I took it off the other day and was able to simply just slide it back in and bolt it up. I shined a light down and can't see anything in the way. What the h3ll is wrong with this thing!

 

Try turning the wheel on the opposite side to move the diff around? It may be trying to engage a tooth off or something. I know nothing about rear diff's but it's an idea.

 

The axle has to slide into the diff center, which has a bit of a lip to it. So, you need to wiggle the sucker around, with a slight twisting back and forth to get it in there. It sometimes takes a bit, cuz you gotta get it just right. I freaked out on my first axle replacement with the same thing, and it just needed some lovin.

 

You may have already done this.............

But, I would take off the diff cover and get a good look at what's happening in there.

 

Ummm... .not possible on a toyota axle, unless its a early LC. Toyota use removable 3rd members... crawl under your truck and have a look...


There is also a splash shield in there, dont push hard or you will move it too close to the ring and pinion. How close to seating is it?

 

When sliding it back in you have to center it and try to keep it off the axle tube as it you were floating it in to the hole. Otherwise you be banging it into the side of the diff all day. when I redid the rear in mine that was the main problem, it's kinda like a balancing act. And as for the teeth inside the diff make sure they are lined up, you may have to rotate the axle a little and wiggle it...

 

You gotta hold your mouth right while doing all the above suggestions...like this.

 

it goes all the way in except for about 2 inches. We tried moving it around, it just won't go.

 

Have one person push and wiggle the axle shaft, being sure to move it in such a way that the inner end is actually moving up and down and side to side so that it lines up with the hole, then have someone spin the tire on the other side so that it allows the splines to match up correctly.

 

may be wrong answer did he shop give you back the right axles

years ago had a frined take a car in to a ford dealership to have motor worked on and when he got home found out the had pulled his motor and given him a different one

like he would not know differanc in 390 and tunnel port 427

 

You have to make it past an oil baffel, you hitting that?

 

3rd Gen 4Runner axles would be 2" shorter.

 

I am at the shop right and still no luck. It is the same axle that I took to the machine shop. Why the f$%k won't it go in?!

 

Ok, got it in. I took a file and cleaned the teeth. I got it to go into the spline but it still would not go all the way in. Since I knew it was lined up and just needed some "encouragment" i took a rubber mallet and tapped it in.

Thanks for all the quick replys and suggestions.