what year did the 4runner/taco front differential change from a vacuum operated setup to electrical and is it possible to switch the actuators? i want to install an 01 differential in my 1997.

 

That's a vague question. The same basic Hi pinion 7.5" diff is used from '95.5-'04 Tacos and '96-'02 4Runners. The floating housing varies whether it is a live hub with ADD or no ADD with the manual hubs or fulltime 4WD. The differentials themselves only vary in that there are different ratios. Floating sections are interchangeable. I assume you want to remove the ADD to simplify the system and then do the manual hub conversion.

 

actually i bought a 2001 ADD diff. with gears and ARB already installed, i just know that the ADD actuator changed at some point and i am not sure if my vacuum actuator can be retrofit onto the newer electrically actuated differential. i think i remember bajataco doing this when he installed his but i am not sure, i probably need to check with him. i have no desire to lose the ADD feature even after i install my manual hubs, i would like to still have the option of using the ADD if i wanted to.

 

I think this is the electronic actuator version. The vacuum floating housing looks the same. I'd be shocked if they were different.

 

thanks!

 

I know this is an old thread but Lars did you end up trying to get the '01 diff with electric ADD to work in your 1997? I'm looking to do the other way around to see how much of a PITA it is to put a 1996-2000 front diff with ADD into a 2001 4runner auto.

 

I swapped a 99 front diff into my 01, it's an easy swap. The actuators just have to be swapped over. The actuators are basically the same except one is vacuum and the other is electric. Just remove the actuator from the 01 diff and bolt it onto the other diff. Seal it with some rtv silicone.
The hardest part of the swap was getting the diff out of the vehicle, there's not much clearance to get the driveshaft flange between the crossmember and the trans but with some a bit of muscle and your favourite choice of cuss words it can be done.

 

I agree and swapping xfer cases between the fulltime and parttime would likely be a more problematic job than just the front axle. There are some VSV valves near the fuse box under the hood that may be involved.

 

Excellent! Thanks for the reply! That opens up a bunch more options.

I've also been told by a Central Foreign Salvage that the 2001-2004 Tacomas and Tundras are compatible but I thought the CVs for the Tacoma and Tundra attach with bolts instead of a snap ring like on the 4Runners.

 

96-04 taco and 4runner cv's are all the same (ADD are all the same, and manual hubs are all the same). all use the snap ring method of detainment. tundra cvs are not interchangeable with taco or runners (unless LT), the tundra cv is too long.

 

It's the T-100 that the CV axle bolts onto the diff axle.