I have just received a used part from a junkyard, and want to clean it without disassembly. I was considering just doing a washdown with cleaning solvent, and applying gear oil to the moving parts before final assembly (this is a differential). However, I know the people here are very knowledgable, and would like your suggestions.

To be more specific, I received an electric locking 3rd member from the front of a mid 90's Land Cruiser. I'll put it into the front axle of my 85 Toy. This is to raise the pinion from the electric locking Tacoma differential I already have in the front. The Taco locker will go in the rear axle, replacing the other Taco locker that I blew up .

The LC differential looks like it sat in sludge for some time: sludge on the inner parts and such. My suspicion is that the owner(s) diddn't maintain it at all. I don't want to disassemble it, as that would require new crush sleeve, and all the other joys of properly meshing a gearset, which I have never done before.

So what do should I do? Is a washdown and gear lube application going to be good enough?

Thanks in advance!

I would soak it a bucket filled with some sort of solevent, like brake cleaner or something. Let it soak for a little bit, and then rinse it out and repeat.

When your done, give it a good coating of gear oil so nothing rusts.

Just make sure you take the motor/actuator assembly off the diff.