I just bought this '93 truck. It doesn't run yet (bad rod in the engine), so I don't know how it drives. I was looking at the axle code on the VIN sticker; it reads B05B. I'm used to the old style code, so I had to look around to find a chart for this later coding scheme. Everything I've seen so far indicates that this translates to 3:15 gear ratio! I can't believe it. Since when did toyota make a 4x4 xtra cab, 3.0 V6 5spd with a gear ratio like that? -- Matt

 

What size ring gear does a "B" axle code mean? I've never heard of that one, you sure it's not the color code or somethin? The code should read G### indicating an 8" rear diff, then the 2 digit ratio code, then probably 4, denoting a 4 pinion/v6 housing.

 

I'm pretty sure a V6 5spd 4X4 would have 4.56 gears from what I have read

 

Not always the case, that's if it came with the 31" tire package. There seem to be exceptions, but mine was a 225/75 optioned 4Runner, and the code said 4.10. The rig has 4.56's, I found out recently, but it's had several owners and had 31's on it when I acquired it.

 

My friend's '90 has the code G254. That represents a 4.56 gear with 4 pinions (V6 style). That's the old code. At some point Toyota started to use a code that is still in used on the Tacoma and other newer Toyotas, see the chart half way down this page and here. My VIN number also begins with 4T instead of JT like most of the Toyotas I've owned in the past. I've read that this is related to my issue, but I don't have enough info yet. My code is definitely B05B, but I'd be willing to bet my truck doesn't have 3.15 gears.

 

can you take a pic of the vin sticker on the door jam (blur/cross out the VIN number tho) i've never heard of a 93 with that style gear code.

 

Just jack it up, chalk the sidewall, and watch the driveshaft.

 

There is no such thing as a 3.15 gear ratio in a 4x4

You are either reading the code wrong, or translating it wrong.

 

could you imagine a yota with that ratio. It could barely turn 225's.

 

my 92 3.0 5speed has 4.30s in it. (according to the vin tag)

 

If you look at the chart I referred to in the second link in my earlier post above you will see the newer codes. You will also see that my code, B05B is listed as 3.15. You will also notice that 4.30 is the only common Toyota 4x4 ratio not appearing on the list. Hmmm? Maybe 3.15 is really 4.30.

If I thought that there was some toyota colored paint on the end of the pinion that would identify the ratio I would pull the driveshaft off to get a look at it.

I was planning on running some 32" tires in the future (it presently has 235/75 15's, who knows what it had originally) and thought I'd want to run 4.56 or 4.88 gears. It would be good to know where I stand now before I make my next move.

Below is a picture of the VIN sticker for those who thought maybe I couldn't read it properly.

 

seen that code before you have the rare 4.30's lucky you

 

I think the chart on off-road.com is wrong.

B05B should be a 4.30, as stated by MSR