Can you tell by the vin #

 

Nope - need the code off the door jamb.

Do a search for "diff codes" to find the link to the chart

 

If you gave us some info like the year/model/engine/tranny we could make an educated guess.

 

Yeah, there is a table which lists the gear sets and stuff depending on year and model you have.

 

For the 97 4Runner assuming it's a V6 you likely have:

4.30 - Auto tranny & 16" wheel package
4.10 - Auto tranny & 15" wheel package
4.10 - Manual tranny & 16" wheel package
3.90 - Manual tranny & 15" wheel package

 

look at this page it will tell you everything you need to know
http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/other/4_axles.html

 

Here you go:

http://www.sonoransteel.com/Toyota_axle_codes.html

 

Don't use this one if it's a 3rd gen, use Steve's.

 

now i see why the 4runner gets crappy gas mileage 4:10 gears and 265s tires

 

Make sure your check the code though because my truck has 4.30 gears and a 5 speed

 

My VIN is JT3VN39XWxxxxxxxxxxxx, 95 4runner v6 auto. Am i retarded or do I have a rare one.

EDIT. NVM I got it. Although my code is G144, which means, according to that table, my 4runner came with 31" tires and an AT 22re?

 

??? None of the links relate VIN # to gear ratio. There are lots of 2nd gen 4Runners with a v6 auto. What are you asking?

 

Ok my code is RZN185L-GKPZKA and according to Steves site I either have 4.1 or 4.3. I'll assume I have 4.3 because I have 16" wheels but is there any way to be sure?

 

this is the table if you have a 2nd gen. http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/other/4_axles.html

 

Just make sure 16" wheels are on the window sticker and you have 4.30's

 

i just went to the dealer they said 4.30s for the 97 but the 89 3slow 5 speed would it be 4.10 or 4.88?

 

With 5 speed it wouldn't be 4.88. I would guess either 4.10 if it came with the "normal" tires, or 4.56 it if came with the 31's. (My '93 with 3.0, manual, 31's was 4.56)

 

did some of the first gens come with 4.88s?

 

i looked at mine and its 3.727....and stock it says 225/65/15 for tires, im currently running 31x10.5/15...if i plan to run 32x11.5/15 how much should i change the gears to? no wonder my gas is ****

 

4.36 is the perfect correction. There are 4.30's or 4.56