SO i thought i would post up some of my recent experiences regarding my new chromoly 4340 axle shafts from Superior gear and axle.

Currently there are only 2 companies which manufacture chromoly shafts for later model first gen tacomas (2000-2004) as alloysteel has stopped making theres.

these two companies are Poly Performance, and Superior Gear and Axle.
the Superior shafts are far cheaper than the poly performance shafts, yet are still manufactured from chrome-moly alloy, these and supposedly the Poly performance shafts are the ONLY aftermarket axles which will work with the ABS housings.

my axles are excellent quality, however i encountered several problems which proved costly when assembling them. these i will share so that others do not have the same issues.

the Superior shafts are compatible with all tacomas 95.5-04. I ordered mine for the 04 model, and then proceeded to press on a new wheel bearing, backing plate, retainer, and abs components. this was my issue.

in 2003 toyota switched wheel bearings for the last 2 years of the first gen tacomas. these bearings are the exact same inside and outside diameter as the previous versions, however they have a longer step on the inner race which spaces them differently.

the Superior shafts are designed specificaly to accomodate ONLY the older style of bearing. Using the 03-04 bearings causes the entire bearing assembly to sit too far forward, and leaves no room for the ABS snap ring to be clipped onto the shaft, and causes other components to not line up exactly.

SO - if your installing these axles (which by initial appearance and inspection i would recommend) please make sure that no matter what year truck or runner you have, you use the earlier model wheel bearings, this will save you the 60+ dollars for another bearing, and the costly press work.

just thought i would post this up to help some fellow taco owners who dont feel like paying the same price for one new toyota axle as it is for two new aftermarket ones.

cheers ill post some pics of the new shafts in action as soon as i have a chance to take them.

 

can those axles be used on a 3rd gen 4Runner without any modification?

Thanks

 

yes these axles are also compatible with the 96-02 4runners, in your case its a 96 so you should be able to use the normal wheel bearing when installing it and not have any issue

 

What can someone expect to pay for a set of chromoly axles?

 

Stock toyota axle shafts are very strong! Unless you are running 36"+ tires you should be fine

 

ditto, i have only seen one rear toy axle break and it was on a swapped 4runner on 35's and he was giving it utter hell.

They say the toy shafts are as strong as a d60 stock rear shaft.

 

True. I beat the hell out of mine and never broke one. I just upgraded to the CroMo cause I figured the stockers had taken enough punishment and it was just a matter of time...