Anyone know if the 4th gen and 3rd gen rear axle assemblies are the same (or near the same)? As in, disregarding gear ratios in the diffs, can an '02 bolt up to an '03 or vice versa? If not, how close are they? Can the diffs be swapped? What about the front?

Thanks for the help!

-Ferg-

 

http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/diffs/

Looks like I found an answer on the question about the fronts...they're totally different from each other.

And the rears look to be the same diffs, but no info on the axle assemblies.

Anyone?

-Ferg-

 

I am pretty sure the 4th gen has a wider stance. So I'd say they are not compatible.

 

That, and the control arm mounts are different. The diff is indeed interchangeable, but the axles are different, and the housing is different.

 

Bummer. My bro has a 2003 and he's just found out his rear axle assembly is bent (not sure yet if just the housing or the shaft as well) and I've got a 2002 that I'll be putting under it a complete e-lock axle assembly out of a '99. Thought I'd help my bro out with a sweet deal on my axle if it'd bolt up to his.

Looks like the '03+ is the same as the FJCruiser rear though which is neat to know. Guess we'll just have to get my bro an e-lock assembly out of an FJC to replace his bent one.

Thanks guys!

-Ferg-