Well I searched and didnt find any other experiences like mine, so I guess Ill start a new thread.

Out wheeling this morning with stock 97 4X4 (BFG Muds, 265 75's) and tried to climb this small hill. (pretty steep, about 24 inches tall)

Got the fronts up the hill, and gave it gas to get the rears up and BAM BAM BAM..... front diff went. Had to drive 70 miles home (very slowly)... it was very dangerous because I could feel a tooth get caught every now and then and it would jerk the wheel.

Im sorry I dont have more time to explain in more detail, but this was a fluke... it had to have been. I have abused my F150 4X4, past toyotas, and this 4Runner WAY, WAY harder with no problems whatsoever.

Any comments are appreciated. I will be doing most of the labor on replacement myself in my garage.... if anyone can advise me on a good (relatively inexpensive) locker while its apart, I would be greatful.

ps. 4Runner has 103K miles, 3.4, auto tranny.
The picture was taken right after this happened, after I backed off the hill and out of the riverbed we were in.

 

I am sorry to hear that man…
And you are right that is first time I heard about that on 4Runners.
But I have heard front diff. blown on Land Cruisers (FJ100).
So I guess anything possible.
Good Luck to you!

 

Seems like hyperlite on this forum has torn up 2 front diffs.

Are you locked in the front?

 

No sir, stock.

I will be picking up a stock replacement unit for 350 bucks when I can get things taken apart.

 

calrockx has blown his front diff several times, the stock carrier is weak and if you get any wheel spin with sudden hook up, BAM the dif breaks, usually the spider gears go out. Install and ARB and you won't have those worries....


BTW where are you located? I have a spare in my garage....

 

jeez thats like my biggest fear when trying to climb hills with loose traction up front..

 

BruceTS, By ARB, you mean the ARB Locker?

I am located in Temecula. (hour and a half from you with no traffic)

Would you like to get rid of this unit?

 

Are you getting just a differential or are you getting a whole new carrier? I am in the market for a carrier and if you have a place where you are getting something special, I am interested.

 

all 3rd gens have the high pinion

 

Sure if you want it

 

Don't forget to post pics when you get yours apart.

 

I am getting a used front diff (carrier and all) ready to be installed for $350.

I can give you his contact information if you would like. He is here in southern California, and has plenty ready to go.



Regarding the ARB, please give me details on the unit, what I would be required to buy, what you would include, and what you are looking for as far as price.

I will post pictures when I get it apart.

 

If you are replacing the entire unit (housing and all), allow for a very full day. I turn a pretty good wrench and it took me all day, thanks in part to the very tight clearance and a really strangely placed top mount by the steering rack (you'll see). Other than a bit of straining and pushing, it should go right into place.

 

Thanks for the offer but I am all the way across the country on the east coast. I will see if I can find something closer. Not to steal the thread but are front diffs from a junkyard usually in good shape? I know they tend to have problems when people don't ever run 4wd to keep them well lubricated.

 

I will sell you my front 4:10 carrier for half that cost. It is from my 2000 with 34k miles at the time I changed gears. If you are interested I can see what it would cost to ship. Either way, you are ahead.

 

I would guess that junkyard diffs from a 3rd gen will generally be in very good condition considering that very few late model 4Runners are ever used off-road.

 

yeah, i've torn up a couple front diffs. the last time it was the spider gears. i've got an arb up front now, so i hope that my diff-grenading days are over.

 

Yes sir, the spider gears. Check my new thread entitled "*update* pics of broken front diff".