looking to upgrade my stock 4.10 thirds to a 4.88 or 4.56 ratio.i read on a post some time ago that a 90's runner has different gears.which runner has the better gears and will the thirds fit my 88 housing.i have a 4 cyl. and 5 spd trans.any help will be greatly needed. thanks

 

This page should give you all the info you need. http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/diffs/

 

Any of them will fit your housing since they didn't come factory with 4.88's. But, better/best depends on what you're looking to gain and what size tires you're running. I mean, the quality is all the same....Toyota.

 

x2 but i had stock v6 third with 4.88s and a third with 5.29s for a 85 pickup fit right in my axle housing

 

I have a question about the 4.88 V6 3rds...the ones you can't regear that sell for not much. Would that be a direct replacement for my stock open 4.10 22RE engined truck? Is there any problems getting lockers for these diffs?

 

There should be no problem putting a locker in the factory 4.88. I didn't do it myself, but I have a factory 4.88 with a detroit locker in my 86 4Runner right now.

 

I meant your gear housing/carrier/diff case/etc. and not the axle housing. Yeah, the axle housing would accept any carrier.