So while driving back to Denver from Boulder today I heard a loud clunk from the rear end and noticed some considerable resistance as if the brakies were on. I immediately got off and when I slowed down to about 25mph the rear wheels locked up and I squeeled to a halt. After stopping the wheels unlocked and I was able to pull in to a parking lot but I could feel the rear wheels binding up and barely releasing as I drove it. Now Im pretty sure its the rear diff becaused when I got out the rear diff was smoking pretty badly and was very hot. My question is shiould I just count on having to replace the diff or should I start looking for a whole new rear end? I noticed there was oil dripping out of the wheels around where the lugs are. WHats that about?I knew I shouldnt have bought a used diff from the yota yard, I shouldve dropped the extra little bit of money for new stuff.

you probably leaked all of your diff. oil out of your rear main seals(oil on lug nuts) and then your diff heated up and grenaded.

Is there any way to check if its just the rear diff or if I should look for the whole rear end? Also do diffs go out from just getting old or do you have to run them eithout oil for them to blow.

i dont see why your axle housing or axles would be bad. get a new diff. clean your housing out good, there will probably be metal shavings everywhere. check wheel bearings, and get new seals and you should be good to go.

make sure your diff. breather wasnt clogged causing you to leak gear oil from your wheel seals also.

Lack of oil can kill them as can letting the pinion flange get loose and the pinion gear starts climbing up the ring gear and wears out the teeth. Pull out the 3rd member and see what is up. You can have it rebuilt if the housing is still OK, good time to change ratios/add locker, etc. Or if stock gears, a used 3rd from the j/y is a good option.

Man, stay away from the yota yard! I hate to ask how much you paid for the 3rd, but only because you'd feel ripped off. I hate that place, ever since ownership changed. I saw them charge $125 to some ignorant girl for a speedo cable. To top it off, Julio (the guy who picks the parts)was standing there talking sh*t about her in spanish to her face. He was smiling the whole time. I told the owner, (the wife) and she told me they dont need my business. F.U.
Sorry, Ill step off the box now.

Go to colorado4x4.org and pick up a local 3rd for $50. Swap it in. Its slightly possible you bonged a shaft as well, but you cant tell without taking a peek. Its a pretty straight forward job. Ask if you need help.

My .02
JT

While you have things apart, I would suggest buying a e-locker and modifiying your axle housing to fit. I bought mine for $400 from a 99 Taco.

It's a good bet your pinion bearings locked and may be spun. That might mean the diff is all junk. Get a used 3rd maybe on 4x4wire or POR "forSale" board or something. Did you recently do something to the rear....over tighten a pinion nut....or maybe replace a seal or add a locker?

So i just installed this diff maybe two months ago. Its a 4.88 set off a 90's runner. But it was stolen right after I installed it and since it was recovered 4 wheel drive wasnt right. It felt like the rear was binding up when I put it in 4wheel. I am starting to feel hesitant about using parts from the salvage yard. I paid 350 for the used diff, and it seems like I could have the diff rebuilt with better parts for that much. Anybody know whats a "good" price for a rebuild of a rear diff with 4.88's. Anybody in Colorado? And is it possible that the housing is shot too. Exactly what would I need to buy to completely rebuild the rear third(say without a locker b/c they are just too expensive right now)