Has anyone attempted this? I have searched with no results.
I have acquired an axle out of a 86 4 runner and was wondering if i can put the drums and axles in my 83 axle. From what ive found so far is that the axle shafts are 1.5" longer, im assuming the shafts are too long to fit the 83 axle. If so would i be able to transfer the hub and axles from the 83 axle and put the 11.5 drum assembly on the 83?

 

Whats the point? Upgrade for what? whats the truck used for?

 

How thick are the drums? If they're the same width, and if the square boltpattern on the brake backing plates are the same, then it should work. The brakes are attached to the backing plate, so if that transfers over, and the WMS isn't too far in or out, you should be good to go.

Or do this: jack up one side of the axle so that all the gear oil is on the other side. Pull out the axleshaft on the raised side. Attempt to install the axleshaft from the 86. The 86 axleshafts are longer, yes, but there may (or may not) be enough room inside the diff carrier for them to fit anyway.

Or just swap over the whole 86 axle like everyone else. It's almost plug-n-play; only the spring perches/shock mounts will need to be either modified or customized.

 

why not just swap the entire housing over? Swapping the backing plates to the narrower axle would be a major pain in the butt.
The 86 rear axle is 1.5" wider on both sides, the axles are too long to just swap into an existing 79-83 rear axle housing.

If you are worried if the gear ratios are different you could swap thirds

 

Sounds like lots of work for not much gain.

Moving spring pads can be fun !!

After all it is yours Have Fun.

 

I'm referring to the plates that the U-bolts go into, not the welded-on part of the axle housing that the spring rests on. They don't need to be moved, they need to be either modified to fit the thicker axle housing (if you use the 83's plates), or to fit the / \ shock geometry of a first-gen (if you use the 86's plates). I did the latter.