Would an 80s hilux axle work under a 97 taco? I've heard yes. But you have to run spacers. Or go with an aftermarket housing and use the guts and knuckles ect. Any insite would be helpful.

 

one big drawback besides the width issue is that the Tacoma t/c output is on the left. 79-85 front axles diff is on the passenger side..so if you go that route you need to either suck it up and convert your transfer case to a right side output or find an early T100 t/c that has a right side output shaft.

Stock Toyota front axle measurements for comparison:
55.5" wide, 29" spring perch centers, '79-85 Toyota trucks and 4runners, SA Hubs
58.25" wide, 29" spring perch centers, '79-85 Toyota trucks and 4runners, IFS Hubs
63.5" wide, (set up for coil springs) 90-97 FJ80 and FZJ80 Landcruisers
'86-95 IFS front end is about 58.5" wide

Toyota Rear Axle Widths:
55" wide, '79-85 4wd trucks/4runners - 6 Lug
58" wide, '86-95 4wd trucks/4runners - 6 Lug
56" wide, '79-95 2wd Trucks - 5 Lug
60.75" wide, '95.5-up Tacomas/4runners
66.75" wide, '93-98 T100 trucks