When someone posts a classified or talks about a V6 3rd in a post, is this part interchangeable among 2nd and 3rd gen runners? i'm really concerned w/ the rear diff for this question.

I know some Tacomas have different 3rds based on TRD or not versions. Just curious after reading posts and not knowing the answer...

 

Yep all 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gen 4Runners, preTaco trucks, and TRD Tacomas use the 8.0" diff/third. Don't know about newer Runners. Regular Tacos use the 8.4" diff/third, plus the front is high pinion, so almost none of the parts are interchangeable between 'Runners and (non TRD) Tacos.

(Note: TRD Taco elocker to 4Runner is not a simple bolt in - some extra holes are needed and a small "landing" has to be created)

 

Can anyone else confirm? The only reason that I'm a little unsure is that I was told that the gearsets were different between the 2nd and 3rd gen runners for the rear 3rd awhile back. If the gear sets are different, how can the 3rd be swappable?

TC, thanks for answering.

 

i was under the assumption that they are not swappable. but who knows. not me.

 

The only thing that matters when swapping an entire third is the bolt pattern and spline count. Both the ring and pinion are contained in the third member, so there is no "compatibility clash" there. (Note: all 4Runners from '88 to 2003 use the same ARB air lockers, so the ring gear bolt pattern, carrier bearing spacing and size, and spline pattern have to be the same)

Sure you're not thinking about Tacoma vs 4Runner compatibility?

 

I can't comment on whether all the diffs are interchangable (because I'm not 100% sure), but I'll comment on your question of whether all V6 diffs are the same.

The factory 4.88 third and gears are different. You cannot re-gear these or use aftermarket gears. You can lock them, however.

 

I've read this as well, which makes me wonder. Also from searching, I noticed (and I could be wrong but) 2nd gens that run 33's are recommended to go w/ 5.29 while 3rd gens w/ the same tires are recommended to run 4.88. Here's where the confusion lies for me but thanks all for chiming in what you know...

 

depends on the engine etc. remember, the 3.0 is a lot less powerful than the 3.4. kind of like telling somebody with a 350 they should run 4.88s with 33s like a toyota guy would. yeah right...they'd want somewhere more in the line of 4.10s.

the 4.88 V6 factory 3rd member can be regeared, but just with a factory 4.88 gearset. the only reason you can't put a non-factory gear set in or a different ratio is because nobody makes one.

with the exception of the TRD locker, ALL 8" live axle(i'm not gonna count the supra 8" which has some interchangeable parts) diffs will swap. the main difference being that the V6 has larger bearings and usually more ribs on the case(i've heard that 3rd or 4th gen 4runners don't have as many case ribs).

 

I think (but don't know) that the ratios IN the transmission may be different too.

I really like my 4.88's with the 33's (manual tranny - 5.29 would be good for auto).

The factory 4.88's have an offset pinion, so the internal parts are not interchangeable, but the whole third member is.

 

I think our definition of re-gearing is different because I meant it can't be re-geared to a different ratio.

 

Makes sense. Didn't think about the different motors...

Thanks again to TC, Kyle and Robinhood for the info.

 

yep, the carrier is the same as a standard V6 carrier. it's the pinion offset and gears themselves that throw a wrench in the works.

the autos had a much higher first and deeper overdrive than the manuals, hence the lower gears.