Well I just got my truck back from the dealer regarding a rear end "howling noise". Needs new pinion bearings and axle bearing. This diagnosis was done with chasis ears. Ford dealer saying I need all new rear end bearings, axle bearings, and seals. Then they would inspect axles and crown and pinion. What are the chances of needing crown and pinion??

Canada parts list:
$94 seals
$385 bearing kit

99 Runner Limited V6 4x4
185,000 miles

Hoping to find cheaper parts in the states and will have the Toyota dealer do the labour I guess.
Any other info anyone can provide would be great.

 

Can you find a used axle in bc? That would probably be the cheapest route, just make sure the gear ratio is the same.
I personally would not take my toyota to a ford dealer.
A howling noise could be caused by unbalanced wheels, drive shaft, wheel bearings or the differential.
If the axle was ran really low on gear oil it could be the differential. Normally however if you keep them full of gear oil and don't beat the hell out of them they are just fine at 185000 miles.
I would balance tires, then have drive line checked, then wheel bearings and seals. When are doing bearings they will have the axle shafts out of the axle and I would have them inspect the differential at the same time.

 

what about pulling the third member out yourself and then sending it somewhere?

 

I would drain the diff and look for metal shavings/chunks. While it's empty, look through the fill hole and inspect the gears while you turn the tires.

Check out the vendor's section here on YT and you'll probably be able to find some good deals on the parts. Using OEM parts is very important IMO, but I would just have the labor done at a good local shop because the dealerships' labor rate is going to be way higher.

Disregard what the ford dealer told you because it's a ford dealer.