i've got a 95 4 runner 3.0 6. i want to sas and have a couple buddies that know all about the mechanical part of gettin rigs to wheel better but they both say different. one says dana 44's and the other say's that it'd be way easier to keep it a yota axle. i know there'll be fabricating either way but i just want to get some more opinions on which one might be easier?

 

Go with the Yota axle and keep it all toyota.

 

portal axle from a volvo

 

Toyota axle will be easier to swap IE: the spring pads will line up, width is within 1.5" per side, driveshaft flange will bolt up, third members are interchangeable front/rear, brake lines will hook up without adapters, steering will hook right up with high steer kit, there is a little more fabbing to go with the 44, and strength is for the most part equivalent

 

alright thanks everyone. this is a little more helpful than my buddies.

 

The yota axle is stronger than a dana44. Then if you add the longfeilds and chromoly shafts your axle strength will be closer to a dana60, not the same but close. You also got to keep in mind when using other axles you are going to have to think about hybrid drive shafts. just my 2 cents.

 

If you want the best axle, by far a toyota diamond housing will be the best for strength, derability, and ease. They come in anything you can think of. We use a Diamond with ends from an 83 Toyota minitruck for all of our 3 link conversions. We steer clear of the Dana/Dynatrack because the axle housing tubes are pressed into the diff housing. This gives the Danas a tendency to flex and fail faster and easier. Also, since there is no real seal on the u joints they will tend to rust and wear out quicker than Toyota's birfield style. Like what was suggested above, keep it Toyota.