Hey guy I have an 89 Toyota pickup 4x4. Rear diff has gone bad and I’m looking to replace with a used one. But I can’t find a G252 only G254. Hear ratio is the same 4.56 both 8’ diameter but the G252 has 2 pinions and the G254 has 4 pinions. Is it safe for me to use a G254? Will it affect it in any way?

 

If the gear ratios are the same, a 4 pinion 3rd can be interchanged for a 2 pinion 3rd member with no issues.

A little more heavy duty internals, is all.

 

Ok thank and it would be the same if I want to swap a 2 for a 4 right?

 

Yes, interchangeable either way. 4 pinion carriers were supplied with 6 cylinder equipped machines; while 4 cylinder machines were built with 2 pinion diff carriers.

All axle spline counts and flange patterns otherwise identical on the 8" 3rd members .Whether 2, or 4 pinion types.

 

isn't the correct term spider gears? 4 for turbo & V-6 thirds and 2 for 4 cylinder diffs
the Pinion is what drives the ring gear...

 

The differential carrier contains a side gear on each axle inner end, and either two, or four, differential pinion gears.

I think that this is good nomenclature. 'Spider gears is a term also used for the same parts.

The drive gear is also refered to as a pinion, as well.