3rd Member Options (1 Viewer)

[CarolinaGX]

From all of the reading I have done in regards to the GX470, it seems that the rear diff is an issue when using offroad. My question is, what 3rd members are a direct bolt in for our trucks? I want to have a spare with me if/when mine goes (168k) so I want to know what trucks to look in when I am dumpster diving at the junkyard. I am also considering building it with a Torsen. I would like to know the vehicle and model years that are direct fit (no modding) and if there are any characteristics that make it more or less appealing than my stock unit. thanks

 

[Jstawgn]

03-09 4runner, fj cruiser with AT.
0lder generation use 8" rear diff but it use smaller driveshaft flange and the ratio might be different.

 

[CarolinaGX]

Thank you. Pretty limited options

 

[Arailt]

I think I read 2010+ FJ axles are the ones you want because they have the 8.2”. I’m not sure if/when the 8.2 went into the 4Runner

 

[cosport]

I think I read 2010+ FJ axles are the ones you want because they have the 8.2”. I’m not sure if/when the 8.2 went into the 4Runner

But they do not fit in a factory 8 inch housing. You need to do the entire 8.2 axle swap.

2nd gen Tacoma 8 inch diffs will fit too. But the ratios are different in some models. OP you would need to double check that.

 

[Arailt]

Yes, the entire axle. I misunderstood the question. I thought he was asking about the entire assembly because he mentioned the factory diff being a pain point off-road. The 8.2 is a stronger option.

 

[Jstawgn]

But they do not fit in a factory 8 inch housing. You need to do the entire 8.2 axle swap.

2nd gen Tacoma 8 inch diffs will fit too. But the ratios are different in some models. OP you would need to double check that.

I thought only elocked 2nd gen tacoma use 8". Regular tacoma use 8.4"

 

[cosport]

I thought only elocked 2nd gen tacoma use 8". Regular tacoma use 8.4"

Thank you for correcting me on that. I have come from an e locked 2nd gen Taco for the past 11yrs. Had not even looked at non locked axles. I got a quick education today on that. Yes only 2nd gen elocked Tacos had an 8 inch.

Ironically there are 3rd gen non locked Tacomas that have an 8 inch diff you could snag and use if the ratio is correct or if you want to build it to match a GX.

 

[AlldogsOffroad]

From all of the reading I have done in regards to the GX470, it seems that the rear diff is an issue when using offroad. My question is, what 3rd members are a direct bolt in for our trucks? I want to have a spare with me if/when mine goes (168k) so I want to know what trucks to look in when I am dumpster diving at the junkyard. I am also considering building it with a Torsen. I would like to know the vehicle and model years that are direct fit (no modding) and if there are any characteristics that make it more or less appealing than my stock unit. thanks

How would Atrac play with a Torsen limited slip installed? For whatever reason, I imagine it wouldn't play well and would need to be disabled.

 

[CarolinaGX]

How would Atrac play with a Torsen limited slip installed? For whatever reason, I imagine it wouldn't play well and would need to be disabled.

How does ATRAC do with an ARB or similar?

 

[AlldogsOffroad]

How does ATRAC do with an ARB or similar?

With an ARB or E-locker, both wheels rotate in unison, so ATRAC isn't triggered by variance in wheel speed sensors. With a torsen limited slip, I imagine it would be possible for ATRAC to trigger and that just doesn't seem like it would be healthy for the diff / torsen unit. Maybe somebody else with a bit more knowledge can chime in.

 

[cosport]

How does ATRAC do with an ARB or similar?

Edit: What he said. ^^

If the rear is locked and fully engaged ATRAC thinks there is no wheel slippage since both wheels move at the same rate of speed with a locker. It then moves its focus to the front instead. Its like having 1.5 lockers.

 

[CarolinaGX]

Going in a straight line, the Torsen "locks" the axles together at a 1:1 ratio. that makes me think it would act similar to an ARB or Grizzly air locker.

 

[GXO]

Torsen does just that, but is only in the center. It has a high degree of differential action too so it is only 100% in very specific alignment of the gears. They are an absolutely awesome piece of technology (and very strong).

 

[CarolinaGX]

I just found a thread on a different forum that seems to confirm my suspicion. If I pull my 3rd member out to check the preload etc. I think I will go ahead and install one, It seems like a win and pretty inexpensive.
Torsen Thread

 

[Jstawgn]

I run true Trac for years in my old hilux. I really like it as it's very street able and give me additional traction 100% of the time.

I run mine totally against every expert at that time. I put lock right up front and true Trac in the rear. Every body said I would have trouble steering the truck in 4WD. That was not the case since the true Trac able to allow normal differential action and help disengage the front locker when I turn.

Now auto locker I the back of Awd vehicle with stability control might be uncharted territy and might cause complications.

 

[CarolinaGX]

Would this be an option to use an older 8.0 3rd member?
Yukon Flange

 

[Jstawgn]

I use Tacoma Output Flange w/T-Case Dust Shield

Yes you can but you need to reset the crush sleeve or use solid spacer. This makes it not very DIY friendly since you would need some special tools. This would be perfect time to check the carrier bearing preload too.

 

[CarolinaGX]

My thinking is that I would have a spare 3rd member built and ready to go incase I pop one on the trail. I like have spares and being prepared so I can drive out. it seems like the solid spacer is the best option if I am going through the effort.

 

[Jstawgn]

I did this swap last year. I am thinking the same way. I would buy spare 4.3 elocker and have it ready as spare.

Affordable regear to 4.30

Edited 6/02/2020 I have successfully run this setup since October 2018 with 255/80R17. 4.30 E-Locker 8" rear diff out of 1999 3rd gen 4runner 4.30 3rd gen Tacoma 4 cylinder front clamshell With 4.30 and 33" tires it is about 7% under geared which is good since the tire have much higher rolling...

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