What is the difference between a 4 pinion and 2 pinion rear?

I have a 1994 V6 4runner and a 1995 22re 4runner, I believe the v6 has a 4 pinion and the 22re a 2 pinion. I had them both out at the same time and the v6 feels much beefier and seems to be exceptionally heavier.

Any help would be appreciated.

I blew the 22re rear which had 4:10's and am using my v6 rear which has 4:56's. I need to reinstall the 4:10 with a new ring and pinion. I do not want to do this if the 2 pinion (4:10) rear is less beefy.

If that is the case I will take the v6 rear and install a new ring and pinion into it, to correct my gear ratio.

 

Not a huge difference in strength differential wise. Your better off with the 4-pinion, but I've had a 2-pinion behind my V6 for a year or more and l preffer it. It's lighter, which I need to offset the weight of 35's. And, I'm sure after the abuse I've given it torque wise, the 2-pinion design is plenty strong. I don't do a serious amount a banging around on rocks, but I have smacked it on a few. I'll regear my 4-pinion if I ever break it. It's got a thicker case. It's no major price difference for the V6 ring&pinion, which is worth the extra $, if your rigs not on a diet like mine.

 

the 4 pinion is the beefier unit. the pinion yoke is alittle thicker and the bearings are also larger. the v-6 third member is interchangeable with the 4 cyl axle, but make sure you get a master install kit specifically for v-6 third member. Some companies use the 4 cyl install kit for both and compensate the difference with more shims. This is a lame substitute!

 

The "pinions" are the spider gears in the open diff. The V6 unit is a little stronger, beefier case and extra trussing on the bearings IIRC. It's not a HUGE difference, but if you've got both, there's no reason not to use the V6 version...