So I've been looking on Craigslist and I found a couple options for gears/lockers. First guy is parting a 95 4Runner with factory 4.88s. Front and rear he wants $350. I've heard that in order to swap them for my 4.10s I would have to modify the Axle Housing... Any ideas on what that modification entails?

Second find is a Factory Toyota E-Locker for $400 with 4.10s. Third is a 8" third with a Detroit Locker and 4.10s for $500.

Just want to get your opinion as to what the better deal is. Right now I'm leaning toward the 4.88s and then dropping a locker in the rear, but I don't have the money for it, and won't for a while...

Thanks for the help!
Nathan

 

I would go for those 4.88's. Because with that 4" lift you will want to go 33's, and the 4.88's will be perfect. The 4.10's are not enough to be happy even with those 32's. Offer $300 for the 4.88 thirds and save up for an aussie locker or the like.

 

yeah but aren't the factor 4.88's the only ones you can use in those diffs.

 

The factory 4.88's are not standard size ring gears; they are what's commonly referred to as "thin gears". I just removed a set from my 1995 4Runner that were in good shape, no noise or anything (I might consider selling them). I believe the modification that would have to take place to regear the factory 4.88's would be rather extensive & that's why most people who want to regear just get different housings.

 

I second yellowsub7--I recommend the Aussie Locker for your rear diff. They work amazingly well. Find out how to install it at www.gearinstalls.com. Buy the 4.88 thirds, the price is what you would pay for the gears alone anyway, and labor for a gear install is the more expensive part (not to mention difficult and time consuming). Then buy the Aussie, install it, then put them in the truck. There is just to much work involved in removing the third again in order to install the locker later.

 

e-locker all the way, re-gear everything, but the e-locker is usually way more than that...