have a 97 4runner sr5 2wd and just replaced the seal to the 3rd as it was leaking. well, it was still leaking....did closer inspection and the housing itself has a hairline crack....options?

1. i imagine a replacement housing would be expensive not to mention the labor on top?
2. can it be welded? probably a short term fix

its my daily driver with 280k and i dont go offroad....any advice would be appreciated.

thanks!

 

I'd weld it up , both sides if you can reach 'em , and keep an eye on it .

How thick are those housings ?

 

location/pic of the crack in the housing?

 

Weld it up to get you by till you have time and money to swap a lightly used one in.

 

Rear axles are pretty easy to swap.
Unbolt the e-brake, brake lines and abs sensor.
Then cut the u-bolts. Don't waste your time with unbolting them.
Insert new axle and install new U-bolts.

 

Why did it crack??

Was it a flaw in the casting??

Just where is the crack?/

If your going to weld the housing and some one like me does it The repair will outlast the truck.

 

Braze it up. Weld it up?? lol.