Rusted leaking rear differential cover

jeffersonjohn.47498/. I know this is an old thread but how did the bolt on last? I’m going to do the same thing tomorrow.

 

It's still holding. I used socket head cap screws, but would recommend plated screws for rust prevention. Hope it goes well for you.

 

I'm going through this with my "new to me" 2006. Mechanic says they could patch the holes. I have little hope but I will have to give it a chance as it's nearly impossible to find a replacement. I guess in the meantime, it will do if the leaking stops. I'm in the Yonkers area of Westchester County, New York....not really "truck country".

 

I used to go to Blood Bros. Auto Wreckers, Inc in Mamaroneck (914) 698-5200).

 

I did too. They are long gone. He took the money & retired. Bunch of apartments on that oil soaked soil now.
I got so familiar at Blood Bro's that he would call me to say what I wanted had come in.

 

It's what I had to do with my 2003. The part just wasn't available new. There are some pumpkins you can weld on, but you'd obviously try to patch before getting into that since you'd have to cut a Tundra pumpkin off to replace it.
Make sure to replace or verify function of the rear axle breather. By the time you're rusting out, the breather is usually clogged shut.
Saw Mill Auto Salvage might have a part for you, but last I checked they were mostly flipping flood cars, so newer stuff.

 

My father in law got the whole axle housing for his 00 new from a dealer 3-5 years ago.

 

I bought mine on CL about 10 years ago from an AZ truck someone brought up to the Northeast. Swapped the entire thing except for axle shafts.

Now there is a guy around here selling refurbed housings. I did call the dealer at the time and it was common enough that they had an entire parts kit for it. At the time, it was twice as much as the used axle but I would have done that if I couldn't have found one used.