hi,
i recently broke my rear driveshaft in my 1996 extended cab, 4x4, manual trans, 4 cylinder tacoma (2.7L).

my question is, can i grab a rear driveshaft from a 1996, 4x4, 4 cylinder, manual trans 4runner?

will it just bolt right in?

tacoma rear driveshaft is a two piece with a carrier bearing, and a slip yoke.

 

No. The 4Runner driveshaft is a 1 piece and is around 20" shorter than a Tacoma 2 piece.

 

What he said. Good thing is, any X-cab Tacoma uses the same length rear half. The difference in the drivelines is in the front half, so if the front half of yours is OK you can swap the rear half and be good to go.

 

Are you sure about this?

What about the bolt pattern on the diff, are they all the same? Ex: open diff or a electric locker?

 

Yep, 100% sure.

All the 95-04 Tacomas use the same flange on the diff, regardless of Open or E-locked.