p1michaud

Hi folks,
I was just wondering if you know a sure fire way to determine my existing gear ratio on my truck? I have a 99 Tacoma, 4x4, Extended Cab with the 3.4L in it. I am asking because I found an identical truck that has been in a front-end collision but it has the electric locking diff on it!!!.. I can get the whole diff and housing for real cheap if it fits.
I was talking to the parts guys at the local Toyota dealership and he told me that the only way to find out my current ratio is to take it apart and count the gear teeth! Please tell me there is an easier way!
By the way, will the two units just swap out after I figure out the gear ratio?

Thanks,
Pierre

Bighead

Check this site. Get the code from the sticker in your drivers door (see top of the web page to see where the code is) and match it up with the Tacoma codes on the site.

Todd E

I don't know if the carriers will interchange, but if you can get the entire axle assembly, DO IT!
Worst case, you swap out the entire axle (actually not hard to do).
For some gear info, go here.
Then take a look at the vin plate of the donor and see if it helps at all :-)
May I also suggest, you get all the wiring possible that relates to the diff to help ease the install.
Hope this helps,
Todd

ringo234

If you check on the information plate on the drivers door you can find the gear ratio code and use this link to decode your gear ratios.

Hope this helps
Andy

p1michaud

Thanks everybody for the info, here is my beef now.
Check 1:
My truck model is VZN170L-CRMDKAB which according to this web page, (http://www.vibratesoftware.com/html_...les.htm#Tacoma), should have the 4.10 ratio with the 10.5R 15 Tire ( I do have the 31’s on).

Check number 2:
My axle code is B03A which according to this web page, (http://www.brian894x4.com/Gearratiosanddiffs.html), means that I have an 8.4” ring gear, 4.1 ratio and a 2 pinion open diff.

Here’s where the trouble starts:
Check 3:
This web page states that vehicles VIV starting with 4Txxxxx….
Remembering my B03A axle code, I should have the following 8” ring gear, 4.1 ratio and 2 pinion open.

Check 4:
This web page states (http://www.off-road.com/toyota/taco/...xlecodes.html, the page owner does acknowledge some inconsistencies mind you):
BO3A = 4.10 ratio, 2 pinion open and a 7.5" ring gear.



I guess that the 4.1 ratio is consistent throughout. I’m not too comfortable with the ring gear. Any suggestions?
Cheers,
Pierre

Todd E

I'm not certain about this, but the 8.4 ring gear should fit in the 8" rear housing with minor modifications.
I think the writeups for the E-locker install in the 8" housing is basically the same as the mods needed for the newer 8" housings.
If you do in fact have the 8.4" housing, you're all set.
The E-locker is setup with the 8.4" ring gear from the factory, if I remember correctly, but the 8" gears do fit.
My best guess is if you don't have the e-locker already, you probably have the 8" ring gear.
Hope this helps,
Todd

Los Gatos?

Step 1) Get ruler
Step 2) Measure Housing
Step 3) Hit self with ruler repeatedly

Step 3 is optional, but recommended for best performance.

phong

No, no, no... you've got it all wrong. If you don't have the electric locker from the factory, you have the 8.4" diff. All electric locking differentials are 8". The 8.4" and 8.0" chucks are NOT interchangeable. Your only option is to swap the entire axle under yours.

phong

NOTE: This information only applies to Tacomas. All 4Runner differentials are 8".

phong

Pierre, you have the 8.4" 4-pinion, open diff., with 4.10 gear ratio.

sschaefer3

Right, learn it, know it, live it.

Todd E

Thank you for straightening me out on that.
Not having a newer truck, I wasn't aware of which one went with what.
Now I know

Thanks!
Todd

p1michaud

Thanks for the info gents. From what I can tell, it's a match. I can get the whole diff, including e-locker and axels for $1000 CDN. I believe that I'll have to go pick it up!
Cheers,
Pierre