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95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners 4th gen pickups and 3rd gen 4Runners

3rd Gen Front Diff Drop

Old 08-10-2003, 04:19 PM
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NJ
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3rd Gen Front Diff Drop

Hey guys,

3rd Gen Front Diff Drop... who's done it, how difficult is it and where can I get the kit. It sounds like a good idea...

Thanx,
Old 08-10-2003, 04:25 PM
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1. I have, as have lots of people on here

2. Its easy

3. Mike at Xtreme Off-Road

Definitely a good idea if you have a lift!
Old 08-10-2003, 05:55 PM
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Also you can get the kit here

Mick
Old 08-10-2003, 06:15 PM
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what exactly does it do? And what is the process?

I'm asking cuz I plan on getting my lift in a few months.
Old 08-10-2003, 06:31 PM
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Originally posted by Toyo_Runner96
what exactly does it do? And what is the process?
It lowers your front differential so that the angle of the CV joints is reduced. Check out Steve's site here

What I want to know is who used their stock skid plates, and how did that work out...?
Old 08-10-2003, 06:50 PM
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Yep, it just uses a set of 1" spacers to accomplish this.


I'm still using the stock skid plate, minus 2 bolts.
Old 08-10-2003, 07:30 PM
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would lowering of your front diff just contradict the fact of the added clearance of a lift?
Old 08-10-2003, 08:15 PM
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Your diff doesnt move when you lift, its still at stock height when you lift. Your tires are the only thing that make it go up. Bigger tires more diff clearance.
Old 08-10-2003, 09:17 PM
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Ok I think I'm missing something here, I understand why you would do the diff drop. But what I don't understand is that you paid all this money to lift the truck, and you put on bigger tires. But then you drop the diff. Doesn't that decrease your ground clearance?
Old 08-10-2003, 09:35 PM
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The ground clearance stays the same since the skidplate is still below the diff.

I still think the best diff drop is the Ace Hardware version, which is about $12. All you need are two 8"x1/2" grade 8 bolts and a bunch of large diameter washers. Get 2 nylock nuts. And then get 2 small outer diameter washers that fit over the 1/2" bolt for the bottom. Nice and simple. Plus it has the advantage that you can fine tune it to the amount of diff drop you want, especially if you have custom skidplates so it can be more or less than the Revtek kit.
Old 08-11-2003, 06:06 AM
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Yes I have the Revtek 1" and the original skid in place and managed to get all the bolts on. Just curious if anyone has run more than the 1" drop since my CV's have more angle than I like to see on them.

Last edited by WT; 08-11-2003 at 05:30 PM.
Old 05-20-2006, 02:44 PM
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Wake up old post, wake up!!! Alright I'm still new here so go easy on me but I've had a Downey lift on my 'runner for about 8 years now and this is the first I've heard of this mod. And I am on my 2nd set of boots. I looked under my truck but it looks like if I tried to lower my diff at all the ADD actuator will hit the rear crossmember. Is this true or am I missing something?
Old 05-20-2006, 02:51 PM
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lowering it 1" (just the front two mounts) helps quite a bit.

It wont effect the actuator.
Old 05-21-2006, 02:20 AM
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Originally Posted by WT
Yes I have the Revtek 1" and the original skid in place and managed to get all the bolts on. Just curious if anyone has run more than the 1" drop since my CV's have more angle than I like to see on them.
Hi,

I have Steve's tapered 1" diff drop kit and later on I added a 13 mm washer because the inner cv boots kept getting torn. With the addtional spacer, the ADD actuator is now firmly "in touch" with the frame. Hope it doesn't result into something bad. With the two spacers, the effective cv lift has been reduced from 4" to 2.5".

HTH.
Old 05-21-2006, 05:56 PM
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It sounds like the sorenson steel diff dorp is best but if you are on a tight budget you could do the Ace Hardware Diff Drop. This is a good thread on it https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...ware+diff+drop Dr Z has a good write-up on it (reply #18) I am looking at the SS drop but because I need to drop it tomorrow (heading out of town for the next few weeks) I'm going to go the Ace way for now.
Old 05-22-2006, 06:29 AM
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Not to gay up this thread but i have a revtech diff drop, but i havent put it in yet. Im about sick of working on my truck having spent about 20 hr. on it last week. How do you wash off anti sieze?
Old 05-22-2006, 07:05 AM
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Que??!!
Old 05-23-2006, 08:26 AM
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I just ordered my SS Diff Drop from Steve. It looks like the best way to go and I'm not in as much of a hurry, not leaving town as quick as I thought. I'll let you know how the install goes.
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