Looking to buy 01 AWD ES - some differential issues?

[bretwalda]

Hi all - great forum here. Looks like I'll be joining the club soon. I'm about to make a purchase decision on a 01 GC ES 3.8L AWD model. It has 105K miles. The rear differential has some gunk on it. Looks dry - no bad wet spots. I didnt notice any problems driving it at first but at the end of my 20 mile+ ride I noticed the rear wheels binding up when reversing and turning at the same time. Feels much like driving a 4wd truck with the differential lock turned on...kinds jumps. At one point I really had to gun it just to make the thing move. Only noticed it in reverse. Anyone have similar issues? I was told all the rear wheel drive components are units for which you can't buy parts - gotta buy the whole thing. True? Does the rear diff have a filler plug or is it a sealed unit? Any other issue to be aware of? The only thing at this point holding me back is that rear differential issue. If anyone has had experience with this I'd appreciate hearing what you've learned.

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