I've read and read through all the information available and I've found lots of conflicting answers and too many different scenarios from people trying to achieve different results to decide if what I'm trying to do is possible without modification.

I have a factory 1985 4Runner. 22re 5speed solid front axle...

If I buy a salvaged v6 auto 4Runner that has the factory 4.88 gears and locking front hubs , can I simply swap complete rear axles, swap the ifs hubs to match the width of the rear axle, and install the front 4.88 gears into my solid front axle housing ?

 

No. The IFS front gears are 7.5" and you need 8" for your front axle and rear axle. The rear 3rd from the 4runner can be used in either your front or rear axle though.

As for the hub question, it is not just a straight forward swap. When you go to the wider IFS hubs you have to move the calipers to the outside of the knuckle. Now I haven't looked into this for a while but from what I remember you drill out the old threads and just through bolt the calipers on. This gives you the ability to run Taco rotors that are just slip on and you don't have to pound out studs whenever you replace a rotor.

Head over to the Pirate website and search it out in the Toyota forums. You'll get all the info you need. Just don't post anything there unless you have a flame suit.

 

Thanks turbo runner, so basically if I can come up with two factory 4.88 rear ends, I'm set on the gears?

 

Yes. But it would probably be easier to just buy some aftermarket 4:88 gears. I seem to remember reading somewhere that the factory Toyota 4:88's were different then your average gear and they aren't compatible with aftermarket lockers and such.

I could be totally wrong but I know there was something different about them.

 

You're correct, factory 4.88s use a unique third member that won't accept anything but Toyota factory 4.88 gear sets.
It's cast so that the ring gear is moved closer towards the pinion to compensate for the smaller pinion head.
I believe the actual differential case is pretty much the same, just the third member casting and of course, gears are different so you could still add a locker (full case or drop in) no problem.
Erik B's write up has complete info on different Toyota thirds/gears.
Hans

 

Here you go:
http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/diffs/
Hans