Article by: RobRed

Applicable Models: 1998-2007 Land Cruiser / LX 470

Tools Needed: Flat screwdriver, 1/2″ or 3/4″ diameter brass drift/punch, hammer, metric socket set and 3/8″ or 1/2″ drive to match, duck-billed snap ring pliers, standard tools for jacking up the truck and wheel removal, ZipLoc bags to keep removed parts in, Paint Pen / indelible marker to label ZipLoc’s (right/left parts and to make match marks, Land Cruiser Field Service Manual (FSM)

It can happen. The undeniable grind and snap from the front of your Land Cruiser. Sudden loss of power to the ground. That sinking feeling that this is going to cost you. You blew your front differential. To make matters worse you’re miles from civilization and the nearest AAA tow. How are you going to get home?

Since the 100 series is full time four wheel drive you will have to disconnect the drive line from the front differential. No worries this is a fairly simple task and can be done in an hour or less.

Conceptually you will need to remove the front propeller shaft (drive shaft). This is connected to the front differential and the transfer case. You will also need to remove the front drive flanges from each front wheel hub. Lock the center differential and drive home.

Before beginning any of this procedure make sure you and your Land Cruiser are in a safe location. Make sure the wheels are chocked and the truck can’t roll. Lock the center differential if possible. Safety first – this can be dangerous out on the trail.

Removing the Propeller Shaft

1. Lock the Center Differential.
2. Remove the factory belly pan (qty 8, 12mm bolts).
3. Locate the Propeller Shaft connection at the transfer case.
4. Make match marks on the Propeller Shaft Flange and Transfer.
5. Remove 4 nuts and washers.
6. Make match marks on the Propeller Shaft Flange and front differential.
7. Remove 4 nuts and washers.
8. Remove the Propeller Shaft. (The drive shaft is heavy – Be careful not to drop it on your face!)
9. Reinstall the belly pan for the drive home.

Removing the Drive Flange Plate

1. Jack up the front of the Land Cruiser on the front wheel you are working on (consult owners manual for jacking procedure).
2. Remove the wheel center cap from the wheel.
3. Remove the front wheel – Optional, you can remove the flange with the wheel on.
4. Using a flat screwdriver and hammer, remove the grease cap from the flange.
5. Using a snap ring expander remove the snap ring.
6. Remove the 6 nuts and washers.
7. Install the 6 nuts temporarily to protect the threads of the stud bolts.
8. Using a brass bar and hammer, tap on the bolt heads until the cone washers unseat and pop up.
9. Remove the 6 nuts and cone washers.
10. Remove the flange and gasket.
11. If you are prepared you already carry a set of machined flanges as temporary replacements, install them in reverse order of removal – If you dont have a set of machined flanges you will need to protect the hub. Use duct tape or other heavy tape to block the opening left by the flange removal. We want to keep dirt, mud, dust, water small animals and children from contaminating the hub.
12. Install your wheel if you removed it in step 2.
13. Install wheel center cap if you have a machined flange, else store with your other parts.
14. Repeat for the other front wheel.

Options: if you don’t have snap ring pliers you can substitute small needle nose pliers. The snap ring is pretty easy to remove. keep track of which snap ring came from which hub (right/left)