old 86

So my rear diff just went and after reading around here it almost seems as though it will be easier to replace the whole rear axle (as far as technical difficulty) than to do replace just the diff. In addition, my drivers side half shaft is bent and I have to replace my rear leaf springs anyways. Could anybody give me any info on these two options.

There is a 4runner up the road that is of the 85-90(?) body style, is there any way to tell the gears in my truck and in the 4runner, easily, to make sure they are both the same. Am I right that most of them are 4.10's? Mine is an 86 pickup and I am pretty sure it came with 225-75-15 tires and I do not the the 4runner came with 31's. I thought I read that if they are 4.10's I should be able to detach the rear drive shaft and see a pink dot.

Lastly if my idea to replace the whole rear axle is right is there anybody in Mass that has a complete rear axle with hubs diff etc, if that 4runner doesn't work out?

I am really in a bind here as this is my only car so if any of you can help me out I would greatly appreciate it.

thanks

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86 Toyota xtcab 228,000 miles