I have a 1996 4runner: 2.7liter, 5spd, 4wd.

I am trying to find out if I can put an elocker in the rear axle. And I am getting some wierd results in my search.

My axle code is an A03A...which is supposed to mean I have a:
- 7.5" ring gear
- 4.10:1 gear ratio
- 2 spider gears (open)

So...where did the 7.5" ring gear come from? I thought they were all supposed to be 8" diffs in 3rd gen 4runners.

Does anyone have expeience with these:
- are they too weak for offroading?
- can you put an elocker in this axle?
- are the axles and bearings the same as the 8", or would changes have to be made to these also?


Thanks for your replies,
Todd (unsure what to do in San Diego)

 

Thats the front diff, you have an 8" rear diff, trust me.

 

Thanks Crolison for the reply, but...
Based upon what I have looked at, I am pretty sure that the 7.5" is in the rear diff...and here is why I think this:
1. My VIN plate looks like the attachment. (if I can figure out how to attach a picture)
2. I understand the TM A03A is the differential designation (lower right of VIN-plate).
3. From another site, the A03A is deciphered by using a table that essentially says the 1st A= 7.5" ring gear, but if it was a B, it would be an 8" ring gear. I'm wondering if most 4runners are B's. Here is the link to the table...(yes, I know, it could be wrong, but it is the best I can find so far, that is why I asked on this site)
http://toyota.off-road.com/toyota/ar....jsp?id=274535

However, I reserve the right to be wrong!!

Todd

 

all 4runners have had 8 inch rears from the first one to the last 3rd gen atleast the 4wd models

 

That little table doesn't apply to vehicles produced after 5/95 when they stopped making 2nd gen 4runners and 89-95 trucks.

An A03A should be a 3.91 (or 4.10 cant remember) ratio in a 96 4runner

 

Your VIN starts with JT not 4T. So, according to that chart you posted your ring gear would be 138mm. That chart seems way out of whack.

 

again, the chart only applies to pre-96 trucks and 4runners

All 4runners of every gen used an 8" rear diff

 

Here is a related link to another discussion on this.

http://www.ultimateyota.com/index.ph...=4419.msg41764

 

dude you should never, ever post a vin


yank that vin number off the internets

 

Anybody can walk by a car and get the VIN whenever they want...

 

Interesting...this guy was looking at the same site I was and was (maybe still is) just as confused as me!!

LOOKS LIKE I AM GOING TO HAVE TO BREAK OUT THE WRENCHS!!

So...that brings me to another newbie type question: where is the 8" or 7.5" measured (tooth root, 1/2 the tooth height, tooth end, outside dia of the ring?)

Todd

 

yeah! keep your vin in a safe deposit box. if someone figures it who knows what would happen.

 

you have an 8" rear. no matter what the chart says. from 1984-2002 4Runners had 8" rear ends.

 

The overwhelming belief is that Gen3 4runners only came with 8" rear diffs. Which should mean that an elocker would be a direct fit.

Do I need any new bearings or shims or whatever to make the system work? (My 4runner has ~185000 miles...so new bearings are probably a good idea).

Todd

 

yeah but it makes it easier to make one trip and take

instead of 2 trips to scope out. easier to steal out of state and
long distance. i can make a key and mail it to you....

but of course I am not a crook...jus sayin....

 

You have to modify your housing for the locker actuator.

 

If were to install the E-locker--you would have to mod the housing--it isnt a direct fit

 

You have an 8" rear diff. All 3rd Gen 4Runners do regardless of the motor.

 

OK, I think he understands that All 4 runners have an 8" rear diff.

 

I have looked over the changes in different links...they all swear that a reasonably competent wrench turner can do the changes. I'll probably teach my son some new words when doing the mods, but I'm confident I'll be able to do them.

As an alternative, I have been looking for a complete axle at a junkyard...so far nothing close-by (San Diego). Anyone have any ideas for me? (I have looked at a site that searches junkyards...most of what I find is East of the Mississippi!)

Todd