So I want to go from the factory 28" wheels on my 4runner to 31's. Called the local trans shop and was told it would probably be close to $2k. So I am thinking about either buying a parts rig, or getting some used diffs from a junk yard. Right now I am at 4.10 after deciphering the axle code, and according to the google the toyotas that had 31's from the factory came with 4.56's. I am thinking that this would be the way to go and just swap them across. I am just not sure if all of the Gen 2 4runner stuff is like legos were I can just mix and match, or did things get mucked around with from year to year? I just don't want to end up with a bunch of problems/headaches.

 

You dont really need to regear for 31s. There isnt that much of a power loss.

 

you could go to 4.56s with 31s, but its not worth the price you'd have to pay. 31s and 4.10s do just fine. i'd save your money until you've surfed this website a little bit more, figured out 33s are bangin' and then get some 4.88s.

 

there is lots of info out there about toyota differentials. like these sites:
http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/diffs/
http://www.off-road.com/trucks-4x4/t...ion-18588.html
most people don't spend the money to re-gear until you get up to 33s and larger. the money spent to re-gear for 31s could be better used elsewhere in my opinion.

 

sweet. thanks for the input. Just one of those things I wasn't sure about.

 

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...osting-204178/

if you know you are going to STAY at 31's, 4.56's are the way to go. Mine is staying as a DD, so I did the swap.

And a 4runner is heavier then a pickup, so you would see the difference more in a regear. When I had 31's 4.10's and light highway tires, I still couldn't pass on the freeway without dropping a gear. Now with 31's, 4.56's and heavy mud terrains, I can ease the throttle and pass anyone.

Bottom line. YOU have to know what YOU are gonna use your rig for, then buy parts that tailor it to your needs. 4.56's with my 31's were the best money I spent.

I would never had paid $2k for the swap. Waste of money.

Now speaking of money, I searched for a set on craiglist and got it for $220, then with the help of this site, swapped them myself. It's not that hard, you can do it. Now for $250 (had to buy gear oil and rtv) would you do it then?

Look through the link I posted. It has everything you need to figure out what to buy and how to swap.

Edit* btw, I look through the portland craigslist a lot. There are always pickups and 4runners being parted. If it says they are 5 speed, give em a buzz and see if they have the g254's you need.

If you think you might want to go to 33's eventually, do like those guys said and find some 4.88's now. Some guys can fit them with no lift, some with bj spacers and coil spacers (or landcruiser coils) if that's the case, call around for the rigs with an auto beig parted to find the g144's. Found a set up here for $350 for another guy on here, swapped em that night.