Front Differential 2019 Tundra

OP I am very sorry you have had issues with Toyotas.
There are lemons in every brand, even ours.
The difference is we have WAY less than the domestics.

I to got burned on my used 1 owner 53k mile Tundra as I have the dreaded DS timing chain tensioner rattle.
Still better than any other truck.

We owned a 1999 Lexus GS300 that was a lemon, but we loved that blue car, 2JZ baby!!!
Heater core blew under 100k miles.
VVTI solenoid under 100k miles.
Crank pulley/F disintegrated under 100k miles.
Finally sold it right after the flywheel issue when the ABS ECU decided to retire itself.

But my 98 4runner is still going strong, never broke down, everything still works, but its leaking from many places and rusting out.
It has 300k miles and has been on the beach a lot. I bought it at 202k miles.
I also neglected Maintenace more than I should have due to finances back then.

You will almost certainly have more and worse issues with any domestic.
Or you might get lucky, but the odds are not in your favor there.

Hyundai/Kia are the worst vehicles you could ever spend money on.
They are also the same company, but they can't decide which is the highline and which is the standard line.
Don't be fooled by the hype.
Their tech is all stolen USA domestic tech our government gave them to create industry to counter NKorea and make them prosperous as a country after the war.
They stole BMW/Mercedes designers to make them look good.
Then some stolen bmw/mercedes tech added in when they poached a bunch of their designers.

They regularly blow engines before 70k.
My next-door neighbor was addicted, he blew 3 different models' engines in under 10 years and got a new car each time, all hyundai and kia, all under 70k miles, some under 40k
They are old and did not abuse them or even drive them much.
You're better off lighting your money on fire and watching it burn.
I've seen SO many in for major repairs in 3rd party repair business.
I even worked at one of their dealerships briefly.
Nothing but warranty work and blown engines and trans under 100k miles.
They have 100k warranties because otherwise no one would purchase one, they are disposable vehicles.

I would not touch them with someone else's money.
If you gave me one for free I would list it for sale before even driving it.

They rate below GM/Ford, if that is even possible.

YMMV, some get lucky, I know better from experience and won't take the risk.

Yes, everyone loves the new fancy ones "Telluride" my ass.
Tell you get towed to the dealer

 

Funny, I was just looking at the 5th gen Ram forum this morning. Was enough to eliminate the thought of owning a Ram. All about dealer visits and waiting for warranty parts.

 

I completely understand your frustration. That said, your issues are relatively rare for a Tundra. Not unheard of, but in the minority. The issues you have had however would be considered common and fortunate in most cases when it comes to domestics. NO vehicle is perfect, but you have to be comfortable and happy with what you drive. Did you buy these new? I try to buy new and keep 12+ years.

So far, not an issue with my 2017 TRD PRO. Thank the Good Lord above.....

 

FYI -- Toyota offered to pay $1500 towards the $3700 price to replace the differential. I declined the offer and have had it fixed with the east coast gear replacement bearing.

 

That's the answer. Had to do it to a 4Runner I had. Decided to get the bushing instead of having to replace the bearing again later down the road. I totally anticipate needing to do this on my Tundra. Have conceded it's one of the few issues with it and decided it's worth fixing.

As far as Ford and if it was my money I may take a chance and get the Ranger or a 1 ton and done. Fords reputation is on the Superduty and I feel they have way less issues than other Ford models. YMMV.