Budget 1st Gen Tacoma Build - Used Differentials from 4Runner

[PHeller]

My 5spd 2.7L 4x4 Tacoma came from the factory with B02A gears...3.58 gears! It's turning (struggling with) the smallest available wheel tire combo for the 4x4 Tacoma, measly little 235/75R15s.

Unfortunately I also live at nearly 7,000ft in beautiful Flagstaff, AZ, surrounded by hundreds of miles of off road trails and forest roads.

I've priced out the idea of getting new rings and pinion installed with master install kits by a super local installer, but even if I pull the thirds I'm looking at nearly a $1,000 or more.

I've found quite a few people who are parting older 4Runners from 93-98 some installed with 4.56 gears. In some cases they are selling entire front clamshells for $250 with gears and everything. I figure if I could utilize these parts along with a rear 3rd installed with 4.56 gears, I might able to get a nice gearing upgrade for $600 rather than $1200.

What differentials can I use in my 98 Tacoma?

 

[PuddleJumper]

The easiest way to tell what you can use is to make sure the vehicle its coming out of either has the 2.7 or the 3.4. this goes for either the pickup or the 4 Runner. Both of these have the driverside drop front diff you will need. As for the rear, I believe the 2.7 Tacoma with out E-Locker still had the new style rear which some call the 8.4 but really doesn't measure to that. Personally if it were me, I would try to find a comparable tacoma with the Auto and 4.30's. Grab the diffs and swap them in. For the rear you can also look for the T100 diff as it should be the same. These two diffs shouldnt come near $600. probably could grab the pair for $100 from the local pick and pull.

Edit: here is a link to better help you find what you are looking for.http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/diffs/#v6/turbo

 

[PHeller]

After some research on Erik's Toyota Diff site, it looks like I'll be searching for a 95-03 Tacoma, '00-04 Tundra, and 96-02 4Runners have a high-pinion 7.5" IFS front diff offset to the drivers side.

And for the rear, like you said, I'm looking for an non-ABS, non-locker differential in a truck after 96. I won't be able to use any 4Runner rear differentials.