Drive Train, Wheel Bearings, clutch OH BOY!

[big_gus]

Has anyone had problems with excessive drive train whine, rear wheel bearings, or clutch issues on their 6cyc 4x4? I've got about 70k on my 2000 and it seems a bit premature for issues like this, especially on a Toyota.

Haven't been too hard on it... Moderate off-roading to get to river put-ins/ take-outs, ok maybe I drive a little too fast on the fire roads, but I've only had to use the lockers once, nasty mud.

Gear Whine:
Worst in Fifth gear, passengers have complained. Sounds like general gear whine coming from the center to rear of truck? This is worrisome.

Wheel Bearing:
Sounds worst in 2nd Gear, low speed... Coming from Right Rear, is this a difficult repair for the I'm too cheap to pay someone else?

Clutch:
Now I'm being anal retentive, but in neutral with the clutch out, I got a nasty chirping sound. Any suggestions?

Has anyone else had these issues?

[Brian R.]

Gear Whine - See if your gear lube in the rear end is contaminated or low. See if replacing the gear lube helps if contaminated. Lube your u-joints and splines.

Wheel bearing - Check lube as above.
Bearing backlash is 0.027" along shaft, if bad replace bearing.

Axle deviation at outside surface on stud plate 0.0039". If bad, replace axle shaft.

Replacing the axle or bearing is a moderately hard job.

[BeachBoy]

Replacing the axle or bearing is a moderately hard job.[/quote]

I am looking at replacing the left rear axle bearing on my 1999 2WD Tacoma. How hard is this job and should I purchase anything other than the bearing before I tear it apart. I've done the job on a car but never on a Tacoma. Anything I should know??? Do I need a puller for the axle shaft?

Thanks

[TcmaBoy]

It isn't too hard. You will want to buy the bearings, seals, and o-ring. You will need a press to remove the shaft from the bearing.