Front diff compatibility
 

Hey guys, so have looked around a ton and haven't found an answer to this. I am swapping the front diff out of my 1998 limited (bad bearings) for a diff that is coming from a 2000 limited. Both V6, both have ADD. I do know that all 3rd gens use the 7.5" IFS, however, I can't find if these diffs have the same actuator for the 4wd. I'm not sure if the diff from the 2000 will bolt right on and have the same electrical/vacuum connections. Just looking to see if it can be a clean swap.

If anybody has any insight to this it would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks
Brian

Hi Brian,

Depends on the month of production of the 2000 diff. There were 2 different actuators on 3rd gens.
Up until 2000/08 , the actuators were the same on all 4 runners - vacuum operated. After 2000/08, Toyota switched to electric actuators.for the front diff.

So to answer your question, if your new diff has vacuum connections, it will "plug right in". If it has an electrical connector, you will have to swap it for your original actuator.


Hope this helps!
Denis

Thanks Denis that helped very much! So if the new diff is electric, would I be able to take my vacuum actuator and install it on the new diff and it would work then?

Appreciate your help
Brian

That's correct, your vacuum actuator would bolt right up. But the chances are, the 2000 actuator will be vacuum and you won't need to worry about it. Most (if not all) 4runners made after 2000/08 were sold as "2001" models.
One more thing - I probably don't need to mention this, but make sure the gear ratio on the 2000 diff is the same as yours.
Good luck!
Denis

Sweet that works out perfect. And yeah I have 4.10's but I'm taking this guy's front and rear diffs to match because they have 4.30's.

Thanks so much!
Brian

The electric actuators were only on 2001 and 2002 models. You're good to go.