ok i know this is a newbe question but i cant find the answer. what is the differance between a 4cyl front axle and the 6cyl. i think the housing is the same, but the third member is differant. how do i know the differance when i go to buy the new locker. and is the ring and pinion, and associated bearings differant? please help!

 

the difference would be IFS
if you are using an axle from a 79-85 Toyota truck it is gonna be a 4 cyl axle.
you might be thinking of the difference between a v-6 and 4 cyl rear axle. a v-6 rear third will have more ribs in the third, 4 spiders vs 2 in the 4 Cyl.
Toyota Differential ID LINk

IFS- front diff is gonna be a 7.5" Ring gear

edit:
here is some more diff information for you to read:

"LPH" (Long Pinion Head) vs "SPH" (Short Pinion Head). by Drew Persson
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...23#post1478223

Myth Settled: 8.4, V6, 4cyl, ALL 8" - by Brian Ellinger
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...hreadid=228681

Toyota 4 pinoin 6 cylinder 8" diff (30 spline)
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/Images/Diff6cyl.jpg

Toyota Land cruiser high pinion 8" diff (30 spline)
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/Images/DiffHP.jpg

Toyota 4 pinion 6 cylinder 8" 3rd from a '96-00? 4Runner (30 spline)
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attac...&postid=436184


Differential Mounting Differences Between Different 3rd Members
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...52#post5331552