Hi Guys,
I'm having trouble with my 93 T-100 4x4 with 130,000 miles. The truck is stock with the ADD system. Basically it's my work truck that is not wheeled. We get a lot of snow in my area and I use the 4 wheel quite a bit in the winter. Today I noticed a growling sound from the front passenger side wheel. I took off the wheel, caliper and hub so that I could spin the wheel without spinning the axle. Well it's not the wheel bearings because without the axle spinning it is quiet. If I spin the axle by had there is a definate growl to it. I believe it is a bearing inside the diff. Does that sound correct?
What should I do? The truck is my daily driver and I need it for work. If I remove the diff and send it out to be fixed, what would that cost (rough estimates are ok ) This would probably take a while to remove and have fixed and cost a lot.

Another option (cheaper? and less time) is to get the Warn manual hubs and ditch the ADD system. When unlocked the axle doesn't spin so no noise. I could put up with the noise when the hubs are engaged.

I'm leaning toward the Warn hubs but I'd like to hear what others would do. Bite the bullet and fix the diff or go with the cheaper fix (Warn hubs).
Bob

 

Just my opinion but if you were to switch out the hubs, I would go with Toyota hubs instead of the Warn ones. From what I hear they are much stronger.. you might be able to find a used set on ebay.

Eric

 

i had problems with my rear diff not to long ago. i broke 2 teeth on the pinion gear, and it chewed up the ring gear! AHHHH!

ur problem sounds like it could be the bearings. it didnt take that long to take out the rear diff. the front diff, not too sure. i havent done it before, but u probably could have it out in a few hours, if even that long. but yeh, u'll save money taking the diff out urself.

repairing it, my place charged me $200 for the labor, and then parts. the r&p cost $200. i was going to get my bearings done, since i was opening the diff... but i decided not to due to lack of money.

getting manual hubs is a good way to go. sure its easy to just stay inside the cab and engage 4wd but by using manuals, u should see it improve the gas mileage. when ur wheels are unlocked, ur not turning ur axles as u said, therefore there is less drag when driving in 2wd.

 

Couldn't it be the CV shafts themselves? I just got my 95 a few months ago, and the first time I had the front wheels off, I noticed that it had replacement CV shafts in the front, because they had a sticker from the shop where they were rebuilt. Have you checked the CV boots to make sure they aren't ripped? If so, they're probably gone. At least they're easier to replace than a front diff.

 

Thanks everyone for the replies. I ordered the Warn manual hubs and will install them by this weekend.
95_4x4,
You know you might be right about the cv shaft. I'll have to give them another look. It's possible that that's where the noise is coming from. Either way I'll have the benefits of the manual hubs.