Told I need a new rear end

I have a 2002 double cab 4wd with 421k miles on it. The other day I noticed that the rear axle seal was leaking. Took it to my mechanic and while he was checking everything out, he found that the pinion bearing was shot and said that I need a new carrier. He said the cost for a rear diff carrier assy from Toyota would be $3200 and change. To rebuild the entire rear end it will cost $7000. Anyone have any other ideas/options out there to help with costs? My mechanic, whom I totally trust, told me that he wouldn’t recommend dumping that kind of money in it with the amount of miles on the truck. Thoughts?

 

I would look around for a used rear axle assembly out of another truck. Shouldn't be too hard to find unless you want one with the e-locker in it. Be way cheaper. Usually see a used rear axle assembly for around 3 or $400. E-locker ones will be more.

Just make it's got the right gear ratio in it that matches your front diff

Buying a new one would be crazy

 

http://4xaddict.com/ TOR seems to be a big name and it would be worth giving them a call to see if you can do a quote.

Most shops won't rebuild diffs anymore, but it's really not that hard, nor do the parts cost that much.

 

Your mechanic has a meth habit.

Now go out and find a real mechanic that can actually set up a rear end with a third member.

FWIW, $1500 and change will get you a brand new one from several Toyota dealers. $300-$500 will get you a used one.

 

never use that mechanic again... that blatant robbery. did he even disassemble the differential? should only cost a few hundred to rebuild that diff. but used ones are plentiful. i sold a complete 3rd member for $25.

 

Replace the rear axle seal, differential breather and mechanic.

 

Heed all of the above advice, what that shop is quoting you is just plain wrong.

 

Thanks for all the quick responses. I typically stick with Toyota parts, is there a brand of diff parts that anyone of you would recommend?

 

East coast gear supply ships newly rebuilt diffs and they are basically oem quality. Also your mechanic is fucking you

 

Just buy a used axle lower mileage if you can. Should be in the $300 ballpark. Its about 16 bolts 2 retainer clips and 12 lug nuts. A good mechanic should be able to do it for less than $600 in labor.

 

did he have a loaded gun ..................

within a reasonable distance there is a taco thats has been rolled over

air bags deployed whereby an insurance has totaled

point im making is there is a rear end available for much less

fewer miles

& only a weekend to swap out

still how much longer will engine .....trans....etc will last

either way $3200/$7000 = sizable down payments new/used

 

Holly shit. You can get a full Currie Dana 60 for like $5k.

That's the "I don't want to do this work" price.

If you trust this guy, I assume you're a repeat customer. I can't imagine how much money you've needlessly spent with this guy. Yikes.

 

Last February I tore up my truck’s rear end. The ring gear was hosed. It took out the carrier and the locker as well.
Here’s a video of the incident.
https://youtu.be/PEJH79AYu2c
I had them fix everything and while they were in there they replaced the wheel bearings and they regeared to 4.88s.

They also regeared the front diff and installed an ARB air locker in the front diff that I supplied. I also supplied new CV axles.
My total cost was $4300 including the CVS but not the locker.
I bought the locker several
Months before. It was another $1000.

 

What a horrible sound...

I salute the effort (and cash) to fix it and get it back on the road.

 

I can see where if the job was quoted with all Toyota Parts at List price the amount would be rather high.

So the mechanic might not be the con artist they sure look like.

Also the work might be farmed out so everyone needs to make there mark up.

 

Check out car-part.com for local salvage yards. AIR your gear ratio can be decoded from your VIN.

 

Mechanic said his pinion bearing was shot. So rather than quote $150 or so bearings and in seals + labor, guy quotes $3200 for an entire carrier. The TRD locker assembly is ~$2300 from Camelback, so $3200 is not all that unreasonable, IF you're dumb enough to buy a new factory OEM replacement when all you need is some bearings and seals.

I'm just not sure where the dude gets $7k for a rebuild. That's insane.

This is worse than the mechanics that tell you you need all new control arms because your bushings are shot. It's easier/faster to replace the entire assembly, and if the customer is paying the extra cost for the parts, that's a win-win for the shop.

 

I got to put my emergency fund to use!

 

If you are in middle TN Hudlow Axle can rebuild it. They are on the outskirts of Chattanooga, but just over the line in Rossville GA. They're great folks.

 

421k? WOW.