I love my 1997 4rnr, but not sure I have good feeling about $1500-2000 on getting the rear end rebuilt to stop the leak. Might have to unload this 4runner and go for a newer model. Maybe a 2004 with a v8 and rear disc brakes. Did they ever correct the rear leak with better design?

 

Why are you having to rebuild the whole rear end for a couple of seals? 2x$10 seals and that may work.

 

replacing those seals isnt rocket science either. get yourself a haynes manual or FSM. you'll have to replace the diff fluid too.

seals-20$
haynes manual-20$
diff oil- 40-50$
total- 80-90$
feeling like a man- priceless

much cheaper. you might need specialty tools to do it but most autoparts stores will "loan" you the tools you need

 

I'll be doing this in the next couple weeks. I found a great write-up HERE that explains everything in great detail and it looks like a DIY job anyone could do. I'm splurging for new bearings and all new brakes too for both sides and I think I'll come away with about $400 total for the job. You absolutely can just do the seals, clean everything and call it a day but I'm going all out while it's disassembled. I should have that MAN merit badge soon!

 

Axle seals usually fail because of other issues. Bad wheel bearing, clogged diff breather, etc. just replacing the axle seals is risky

 

yup ^^^

I dipped the arse in mud quite a bit, and eventually rear wheel bearings
started to grind and howl

replacing those, also replaced 4 seals. those replacement seals leaked
almost immediately, and then had to get them refixed -twice-. finally someone
who knew what was up did the seals and did them perfect. but you
need the OEM seals and you need the toyota SST to seat them. without
the SST, you have to be a rocket scientist with precision kung-fu to
get the inner seals exactly perfect

 

I had the same problem on my 98 4-R, replaced the seals and brakes twice. Finely replaced the bearings. Problem solved.

 

I went through this twice with the 2000 4Runner we had. The axle seals actually ride on the spacer/retaining ring for the ABS ring. MAJOR PITA to get it set up right. I screwed it up the first time and had to redo it. The ABS ring and spacer rings are somewhat pricey I recall. And it probably went because of a bad wheel bearing. Regardless if it's got gear oil in the brakes the grease has washed out of the bearing and it's days are numbered anyhow. This was another time I was happy I invested in my own shop press....