1997 4Runner Limited 4x4, removed the 10 bolts and am attempting to replace the gasket, but that little mother won't budge. Driveline is off, bolts are off, I can see where it was leaking, but I can't get that thing off...almost like it's welded on there.

Just a thin chissel and a hammer or do I need to remove something else???

 

bud you gotta pull the axles out

 

yea gotta do that its not that hard to pull them

 

Already removed both axles, forgot to mention that.


Nothing is attached to the front of the rear differential but it WILL NOT budge!

 

it should come off then

 

That's what I thought, but I have hit that thing with a hammer, used a screwdriver to tap on the gap between the two pieces, soaked it with PB Blaster, and it just sits there hanging in mid air..defying gravity

 

Nudge it with a jack.

 

sounds like you gotta break the seal. wiggle it up and down

 

That's what she said...sorry.

Haven't thought about a jack, unfortunately I have both jacks in use holding up my truck. I'll try that tomorrow.

 

put a floor jack to it

 

Will do, always afraid I'm going to break something...floor jack sounds good

 

tap it with a hammer when you put tension with the floor jack...

 

What cracks me up is that I kept one nut on top because I was afraid of it dropping...then as I losened that I was waiting for it to fall on me...and then after everything was out it just sat there!

 

Was there much gear oil in there once you found the leak? Was it driving normal or making any noises before you started tearing into it? I'm thinking maybe it's not coming apart because of heat damage or something??

 

There was quite a bit of oil, I don't think much had leaked out. Probably a little low, half a quart, but no funny noises or any driving issues.

 

Usually it would whine if it wasn't getting enough lubrication. I guess it's possible, but unlikely. The diff only holds about 1 qt., so if 1/2 the fluid leaked out it I suppose it could have gotten too hot. That's the only thing I can think of why it won't come apart - there shouldn't be anything else holding it once the bolts and the axles are removed.

EDIT: Sorry, the rear diff holds 2.6 qts, or 2.9 w/ the elocker.

 

According to all the specs I read it holds 2.6 qts. The amount drained out was at least a quart...looks like more. I bought 3 qts to fill it back up.

 

Yeah sorry about that, I was looking at the front diff (1.2 qts). It is definitely 2.6.

 

Not trying to get off topic, but BE CAREFUL climbing that far under a vehicle supported by jacks. Get a set of jack stands at the auto parts for a couple of bucks. It could save you from serious injury or death.

 

My jack stands are too short, so I made some 4x4 supports to keep me safe...this after my wife was freaking out