Bskey

I have access to a rear axle from a '95 4Runner V6 for $150. I currently have an '85 4Runner. I have heard that the rear drums are better on the '95, and am upgrading my front calipers, master cylinder and brake booster from the same donor vehicle, but was wondering if the work and cost would be worth it to swap the axle for the larger drums, and also how difficult it would be. I know I'd need to get front spacers too, but that's not a problem.

Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks!

dropzone

iTrader: (6)

The axle price is great but one thing to keep in mind is that your 85 has got leaf spring and unless someone converted their 95 to rear leaves, the 95 had coil spring rear suspension so you will need to put on new spring pads.
The brake upgrade is great because you are getting 10" versus the 8" stock rear drums. Don't forget to make sure the gears are the same, not sure if you can put an 8" third in a v-6 housing (I need to find out) Everytime I find an axle is it either trashed or I don't have the cash..

Bskey

Thanks for the info! How difficult is it to put on new spring pads? Also, I have a rear 4.88 3rd and Detroit locker ready to go in, so I do need to make sure it will fit before I jump on this. Anyone know if that will be a direct swap?

Elvota

The spring pads themselves would not be that hard to put on... assuming you can weld. There will be more than a few coil spring related brackets to grind or torch off first. I converted my '90 rear axle to leaves, so know what is involved.

You have to make sure you get the right angle for your diff. The perches will set your angle. If you current setup works well, I'd measure the pinion flange with an Anglometer and just duplicate on your new axle.

I believe the newer axles are wider, maybe 3" overall as the IFS front end got wider than the older solid axle front ends. When you do an SAS with the older Toyota axle, they include a pair of 1.5" spacers to compensate. You might have to do this as well. I am a bit fuzzy as to what years are what length... but a tape measure will tell you quickly enough.

Find "Zuk" on this site and ask him about the diff compatibility. He'll know... he knows everything in regards to Toyota diffs and gears.

Here is his site:
http://www.gearinstalls.com/

fillsrunner4

the v6 is an 8inch diff. that 3rd you have will bolt right in. my buddy took a 4cyl housing and put in v6 gears its just a different carier i believe. like stated before zuk knows his stuff. also i know its possible to put 4cyl housing into a v6 axle and vise versa. id do it if i were you and puttin sping perches on is pretty easy if you can weld and grind. if not get a buddy who can and get him a case a beer to do it haha works everytime

Bskey

I dont have a welder or a grinder, but I can get to one and think it's something I need to learn. On the axle width, I was thinking about this to resolve that: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f31/...spacers-59071/

Thanks for all the info!!

Victor

The new axle is wider. 3" exactly. That is very desirable if you plan to go with a good sized lift. Cutting off the old brackets is not a big deal but as mentioned you have to make sure you get the angles right when you weld on the new spring pads or you will have a bad wobble. I say do it. And to answer your original question, I believe the newer axle does have larger brakes which is definately desirable. The biggest reason people I know have gone with the newer axle is the width. You may want to look for an axle out of a pickup as you won't have to cut brackets off. You may still have to weld on new perches, I'm not sure on that

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

Note that the e-brake lever positions are different on the coil sprung axles, Not sure how that can be modified to work with the leaf spring setup, but I thin it is possible.

fillsrunner4

ya true the easiest way to do the swap is to find an axle from a pickup. but in his case 150 for a complete axle isnt bad although i bet you could find an axle frpm a pickup close to the same price

fillsrunner4

oh ya thats also true. good point 4crawler