I found a good donor 4runner w/ an e-locker but I want to know if there is anything that would stop me from disconnecting the whole rear end, from tire to tire, and installing it in my 89 pickup? I know most guys modify their stock rear end to accomodate the new diff, but it seems like swapping the whole rear end would be a cleaner way to do it. What does everyone think?

 

The rear suspension is different. I think your 89 has leaf springs and the 4runners are all 4-linked with coil springs. Shouldn't be a big deal but I'm not sure if there are other differences.

 

You will need to cut off all the mounts for the coils,links and shocks, then weld on spring perches... Other than that no.... Probably easier to mod the housing for the e-locker! Not that either is really hard....

 

The Elocker axle is 3 inches wider

 

thanks guys, all stuff I wanted to know. Does anyone know if my driveshaft will mate up with the donor diff. no one seems to talk about it so I'm guessing it is a non issue.

 

Were you able to complete the swap, the entire rear? Or did you modify the existing housing? I am thinking of doing the same and would like to know which route to go. What does the newer axle being 3 inches longer mean? Is this an issue, or something easily fixed with wheel spacers?

 

Biggest advantage to the housing you have is that if you upgrade the front brakes on your 89 or do a SA swap & put LC brakes on it, you'll have to add spacers anyway, so getting the extra width in the rear by going w/ a wider housing is really the ideal way to do it. Only other way that's ideal is the full floater upgrade.

I have a 98 Tacoma housing that came w/ the elocker I'll sell you...w/ axle shafts & drum brakes...all you'll need is to swap over the diff....

Of course, I could just measure the spring pads too & post that...if you want.
But this housing is useless to me...email or PM me if you want to make an offer...