who out there has broken a non-elocker tacoma diff (the so-called "8.4" diff)? I have this over on pirate too but wanted to see what y'all can bring to the conversation. heres the backstory:
Due to a recent up-tick in broken ring gears both by myself and my friends, i've started looking into other options. currently running a standard IFS /e-locker 8" diff. my constraints are, i want to stay toyota and i'm on a budget. I understand the most fool-proof plan is to build a custom axle using the LC 9.5" 3rd, but i've run all the numbers on that and its just too far out of reach. I'm looking for a middle ground of something stronger than what i've got that's still reasonably priced. this brought my attention to the "8.4"
first off, to subdue all of the "search" sirens, i've read a lot about both of these diffs, as well as talked to several major toyota shops. It seems that most people view the so-called "8.4" as slightly stronger than the 8" but probably not worth your time. However, I've read some pretty good tech write-ups on the 8.4 and although the ring gear is technically 8" i'm not convinced that the bearing truss wouldn't add a significant amount of strength. Most ring gear issues occur from deflection and the bearing truss is designed specifically to strengthen those key areas.
So what i'm hoping to get from this post is some REAL-LIFE trials of the 8.4 diff, i'd like to hear from people who have ACTUALLY broke one. I'd basically just like to know if its just hear-say that the 8.4 isn't that strong or if its justified.