01 tundra blown rear end

I was coming home on Friday night and blew up the rear diff. The wheels are locked up and when you give it gas, it does not move. I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on my options, I am thinking of taking it apart and fixing whats wrong, There's also a pull-a-part close by that has a 00 with an rear axle, maybe I should just go get the whole assembly for 200 dollars. I pulled the plug on the diff and almost no fluid came out, I am wondering how common that leak in the back of the diff is, I have heard several people mention the back of the diff being welded on and opening up allowing diff fluid to drip. Is there a solution to that? could I get it welded? jb weld? I think replacing the whole axle might be cheaper but the truck at the junkyard is a lot rustier than mine and I have been told it has upwards of 300k miles. Does anyone have experience with pulling the whole rear axle? How labor intensive is it?

 

If no fluid came out there is nothing to pull apart and repair. Your best option is a salvage yard like you are considering. Complete rear ends are pretty easy to remove. As far as the rust that's only something you could decide if it's too much for you.

 

The only way I can picture your diff being empty is if it's severely rusted and leaked out over time, or if your axle seals failed and your fluid leaked into your rear drums. Seems like both would have been noticeable long ago.

Have you pulled a wheel off and looked at your drums?

 

Have you put your eyes on the junk yard rear? If the truck at the junk yard looks worse, I don’t think I would even spend 200 on it. There’s some nice Complete axles and 3rds on eBay from reputable sellers.

 

Sorry if my post came off as if there’s an abundance of tundra axles on eBay. I scanned it last night and only found a couple. Because you are 4x4 just remember to get one with matching gear ratios. I would also do an internet search and call some used parts places in the southern region.

 

I agree. I don't understand how there weren't any warning signs that caught your attention.
Reminds me of when someone tells me they "don't know anything about cars, I just get in and drive." Not knocking your mechanical abilities.
That said, I have a spare 8.4 diff and complete rear end sitting in my garage. If you want the diff only then that could get you going on the cheap. Where are you located?

 

Prob opened the filler plug

 

I've been leaking diff juice for quite a while into my drums. I haven't blown up my diff yet, and when I did a fluid change it still had quite a bit. It'd have to be leaking in there for years to get low enough to cause damage. Is the axle rusted out and leaking? How do your backing plates look? Here mine before cleanup and covered in diff juice: