I am thinking about replacing the entire rear axle assembly (brake to brake) on my 2001 Tacoma 4x2 Xtracab. I want a limited-slip diff vs. the open diff I have now and my Dad suggested that it would be easier to just swap out the entire rear end rather than fitting an LSD from a Pre-runner or 4wd into the existing shafts.

From what I can see, all Tacomas/4 runners have 60.5" width axles, so it looks like a swap would be pretty straightforward.

My specific questions:

1. Do all 4wd/Pre-runners have limited slip rear diffs? (It appears so, but I want to be sure)

2. I currently have axle code B04A which I interpret to be an 8" ring gear, 4.36 ratio, 2 pinion open diff. I also have a six-lug wheel so I'm assuming an 8" axle shaft. Would it be pretty straightforward to swap in a limited slip rear diff from a Pre-runner or 4Runner or 4wd Tacoma ('95 - '04)?

(I saw this thread, but it appears he's swapping in to a 5 lug rear end: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/newbi...hey-exist.html)

Given that the answer to question 2 is 'no, it's not straightforward':

3. Is there anything I need to look out for swapping the entire rear axle assembly from a Pre-runner or 4wd Tacoma or 4Runner? Will any assembly '95 - '04 work?

Note: it also appears that the limited slip diffs are 4.10 or 4.30. I might be amenable to the 4.10 so that the truck will have more traction/legs. That's not a deal-breaker either way for me.

Thanks in advance!
Matt

 

In my opinion, it's much easier, very easy actually, to swap the third members. If you can find one that's already Limited Slip, then just swap the thirds (center section/differential).

 

Thanks for your reply, Rokblok.

Yeah, I think the challenge is finding one that's already Limited Slip that will fit the axle shafts I have. I just don't know if a used TRD/Pre-runner or a 4wd Tacoma third member will fit what I've got. Hence the idea of just switching the whole rear-end --because then I don't have to worry about it all fitting back together piecemeal.

Anyone know whether a 94 - 04 TRD/Pre-runner or a 4wd Tacoma third member will fit an 01 Tacoma 2wd with 6-lug wheels?

Or do I need more information to answer that question?

 

Why do you need a limited slip in a 2wd?

4runners have rear coils...so thats not a direct swap.

 

A Detroit thrutrac would probably be a good one to look at. If you can't find one used. If you have an 8" rear end then any Toyota 8" rear end should work. If 7.5" rear end the any Toyota 7.5" rear end. Not sure what size the Toyota 2wd trucks have.