Yukon Gear Crush Sleeve Eliminator Kit For Toyota V6

Stop Chasing Pinion Preload — Do It Right Once With a Solid Spacer

The OEM crush sleeve in your Toyota 8-inch V6 rear differential is a one-shot component. Every time you remove the pinion nut, the sleeve is done and pinion preload is gone. The Yukon Gear SK CSTV6 replaces that consumable crush sleeve with a precision-machined solid steel spacer and a shim kit, so you can set preload accurately, re-torque without destroying anything, and move on. Whether you are freshening a ring and pinion, replacing bearings, or building the axle from scratch, the SK CSTV6 is the professional approach to the Toyota V6 differential.

What the Kit Includes

• One (1) solid pinion spacer — precision machined steel
• Shim kit for fine-tuning pinion preload

Critical Fitment Note — V6 Pinion Gear Required

The SK CSTV6 is engineered specifically for the Toyota 8-inch V6 rear differential and will only work with a V6 pinion gear — OEM or aftermarket. It is not compatible with the 4-cylinder pinion gear. Confirm your differential application and pinion gear type before ordering.

Vehicle Fitment

Why Eliminate the Crush Sleeve

The factory crush sleeve is a one-use component. Once crushed it cannot be reused. This solid spacer with shims eliminates that limitation — preload is set with shims, verified with an inch-pound torque wrench, and adjusted repeatably without destroying anything.

Installation Instructions

1. Support the vehicle and remove the rear driveshaft from the differential flange.
2. Use a flange holding tool and remove the pinion nut.
3. Remove the companion flange, front pinion seal, and front pinion bearing. Discard the original crush sleeve.
4. Clean the pinion bearing bore and inspect pinion bearings. Replace if worn.
5. Install the SK CSTV6 solid spacer into the differential housing in place of the OEM crush sleeve.
6. Select the starting shim thickness from the included shim kit.
7. Install the front pinion bearing, new pinion seal, and companion flange. Thread the pinion nut hand-tight.
8. Gradually torque the pinion nut while checking rotating torque with an inch-pound torque wrench. Target 10-15 in-lbs for new bearings.
9. Adjust shim thickness as needed until preload specification is achieved.
10. Apply thread-locking compound to the pinion nut threads and torque to factory specification.
11. Reinstall the driveshaft, refill with correct gear oil, and verify no leaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this kit work on my 4-cylinder Toyota Pickup or 4Runner?
No. This kit is designed for the Toyota 8-inch V6 rear differential and requires a V6 pinion gear. The 4-cylinder application uses a different pinion gear and this kit will not fit.

Can I reuse the solid spacer if I pull the pinion again?
Yes. The solid spacer does not deform during installation and can be removed and reinstalled. You may need to readjust shims if bearing conditions have changed.

Does this kit fit the Lexus GX470?
Yes. The Lexus GX470 uses a Toyota 8-inch V6 rear differential compatible with this kit. Confirm the V6 pinion gear is present.

Will this work on a 2016 or 2017 Toyota Tacoma?
This kit fits 2016-2017 Toyota Tacoma V6 models with the Toyota 8-inch V6 rear differential. V6-only — 4-cylinder models are not compatible.

Do I need to replace pinion bearings at the same time?
If the differential is already apart, inspect and replace the pinion bearings while disassembled. Installing a solid spacer kit alongside fresh bearings gives you a clean preload baseline.

What gear oil should I use after installation?
Use the gear oil specified in your vehicle factory service manual for the Toyota 8-inch rear differential. Typically 75W-90 GL-5. If a limited-slip is present, verify friction modifier compatibility.

Does installing this void my vehicle warranty?
Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer cannot void your warranty solely because you installed an aftermarket part. The warranty can only be denied on a specific component if the manufacturer demonstrates the part caused the failure.

What is the warranty on this kit?
Yukon Gear stands behind the quality and fitment of this kit. Contact Yukon Gear directly for current warranty terms.

Is this compatible with the Toyota FJ Cruiser rear differential?
Yes. The 2007-2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser uses a Toyota 8-inch V6 rear differential and this kit is a direct fit. Verify the V6 pinion gear specification before installation.

How do I know what shim thickness to start with?
Use the compressed length of the original crush sleeve as a starting reference. Most builders start slightly thin and add shim thickness to dial in the correct rotating torque. An inch-pound torque wrench on the pinion flange is the correct measuring tool.

California Prop 65 Warning

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including arsenic, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.