Late Landcruiser diffs

Hi Leroy,

Had a problem with my front dif at 5000km on a 2002 diesel 100series - actually blew it. It was replaced under warranty but they declines to tell me whether the diff or just the pinion had gone. Have heard of a number of others having had similar problems.

David

Leroy

I've had problems with my Hilux; see Post Id:10313
Not happy with the result am pursuing the issue. Is your's IFS or live axle? While researching Hilux diff problems I met a diff repair specialist who does warranty work for Toyota and he showed me a complete front diff off an IFS Landcruiser which had broken in less than 5000km!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not good for a Toyota customer's expectations of reliability.

Alfred (unsatisfied Toyota customer)

There were a few instances with the 90series prado about a year or two ago, but haven't heard much lately.

Advertising blurb on the new 120 series Prado boasted a "stronger front diff".

I believe the 100 series unlike previous, uses the same diff as the Hilux. If it blows in a lux it is bound to blow in a cruiser.

The front diff on post 1990 live axle cruiser while it is a similar size to a hilux diff it is different.
And yes they do let go especially when reversing in 4wd up a steep incline because the vehicle weight is mostly on the front diff. I've also heard of troopies blowing the front diff when descending into a gully etc, again when the weight is on the front end. There are also a few 80 series owners who have had problems.
I ran a 90 model troopy for 160k and 12 years with no problems, it did have an airlocker in the rear and was used mostly for touring rather than rock hopping.
I suspect that it could also have something to do with the weight of the right boot ;-))

The so-called "hi-pinion" diff, which is used on 80 series onwards, is weaker in reverse than forward, due to the design of the gears. One reason that they use these diffs to lessen the angle on the front prop shaft, so they can get away with a uni joint instead of an expensive double cardan joint like on the 60 series. So reversing uphill in low range, or snatching somebody out of a bog in reverse can be more of a problem than it needs to be!

Cheers