04 Tundra Differential Help

Hi folks. Here are the main points; Appears I need to replace the rear end on my 04 Tundra after 220K miles. Mechanic I (semi) trust identified the issue. Said metal shavings were found in the gear oil and it’s best to replace the entire rear end. He uses LKQ for parts but they don’t have a matching differential. He’s a smaller family operated shop and busy so it will take him time to continue searching but I can help and provide it to him to install. This is beyond my mechanical knowledge and ability so I need help please. I don’t know what to look for or where. Suggestions from this community? I’ll try to answer any questions - there is a little info I’ve left out so as to keep this brief.

 

Welcome to the forum and thank you for your service!
LKQ is a good source for used parts. You can also try calling local automotive scrap yards to see if they have any decent used ones... or craigslist.

 

https://www.car-part.com/mobile/index.htm

You can try that to find something in your area. Put in the info for your truck, then go in axle and brakes, the differential assemblies.

 

This is great. Thank you, Sir!

 

May be worth calling around to differential shops. Possible you can have it rebuilt with a new ring and pinion for cheaper than a whole new rear end.

my experience with used diffs have been... spotty. Rebuild by a reputable shop will likely outlast the truck if taken care of

 

This is good information, thank you. I’ll look to see what I can find locally.

 

What area are you in? Maybe someone can suggest a place to have it done.

If you we're near me and can pull the 3rd member, I could do it if you're not in a rush.

 

Do you need the whole assembly or just the 3rd member?

There's a few places out there that sell the 3rd, ECGS being the first to mind https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/

 

I’m in the Midland and Odessa area of west Texas. A bit far from you I think but I do appreciate that offer. I need to get it completed by mid summer. My son will be leaving for college in Houston this fall.

 

I am much better under the hood and with older model vehicles. I’m not ashamed to admit my lack of skills and knowledge in this area. I have no idea other than what the mechanic said - the entire assembly needs to be replaced. He tried explaining why but again, I’m lacking this skill set. I’d thought (may sound silly to some) that it may be best to replace the entire assembly as opposed to trying to join parts that were not manufactured together. Any specific direction y’all can provide on that would be great. Especially knowledge on the Tundras. I found an 03 Tundra rear end but I’m not sure if it’s compatible with my 04. Both are 2wd.

 

I'm up in amarillo, and @MrDirtjumper is from your neck of the basin.

 

I would offer up the rear end from my parts truck but I crawled under it the other day and noticed both axle seals are leaking. If you factor in replacing those seals, you’re likely better off just replacing the whole rear end from a pick and pull.

I know for a fact there’s a DC with a LSD with under 200k in the pick and pull here. The truck as a whole looked very well maintained. You might give them a call and see what they want for it. Clarks Auto in San Angelo.

 

Is the truck driving bad? Mechanic found shavings? As in big shtuff or like a fine dust on the magnet? Fine shtuff is ok.

Curious as your symptoms.

 

driving is not bad (as in handling). Heavy/rough sounding road noise while in motion. If considering driving on a rough or grooved pavement, this would be significantly amplified - even on new pavement. Mechanic found pieces larger than shavings but not huge pieces.

 

Thank you for the offer and lead. I’ll definitely give them a call and check out the possibilities. This inquiry is giving me good results. Y’all are very helpful. Thanks again! There’s a place out here called Citrons and everyone I’ve spoken to has told me to steer clear. I’m sure I’ll have to get further out. San Angelo is certainly not far.