'95 4runner rear end/axle/diff to replace in a 97 4runner?

[LongIsland60]

I am ignorant on this issue and I see the years 95-2002 or 96-2002 as 3rd gen for 4runners.

I found 2 '95 rear ends to replace one on my 1997 but am not sure if it is going to work.

Will a '95 replace the '97 or do I need '96 and up?


EIDT-

Never mind - I think I found the answer - some 95 Tacos will fit, but need 96+ 4runner.

Mod can delete this post if they feel like it. I don't have ability to do that

I found a possible replacement - from an '01 - does this sound right?

"Rear axle out of an 01' 4Runner. It is a 4:10 open diff carrier. Comes with parking brake cables and wheel speed sensors. "

thanks

 

[brian2sun]

You may run into ABS differences putting an '01 axle on your '97. I don't believe they are the same, but I'm not sure on the exact difference. I think the ABS sensors may not jive with your computer, but I'm not 100% sure, it may work. What is wrong with the axle now, rusted out? Otherwise you may just be able to swap just the diff or axle shafts, etc..

 

[raydouble]

Does the 97 have ABS? if it does it won't work anymore.

If you don't have ABS you should be golden.

In 00' the Runners went to a more sophisticated ABS system and the two wouldn't be compatible.

Count the teeth on the ring and pinion and make absolutly sure you are putting the same gear ratio back in. (if you are even swapping the thirds)

 

[brian2sun]

Does the 97 have ABS?

Mine does, but I know some came without it. I think the base models didn't have it, some SR5s did, and all the Limiteds did. I'm no ABS expert, I'm just regurgitating.

 

[LongIsland60]

You may run into ABS differences putting an '01 axle on your '97. I don't believe they are the same, but I'm not sure on the exact difference. I think the ABS sensors may not jive with your computer, but I'm not 100% sure, it may work. What is wrong with the axle now, rusted out? Otherwise you may just be able to swap just the diff or axle shafts, etc..

Oh, I think the axles are ok - the diff is toast - rotted and leaking. This truck is being given to me. I don't have it yet - just planning on getting the parts.

I guess I could just look for a diff rather than the whole rear. I'll wait until I get the truck then and take some pics and post up - see what the consensus is...

thanks all

 

[brian2sun]

If it's rotted and leaking, it's almost certainly the axle housing itself so you may be able to reuse the 3rd member and internals. But we'll need to see pics when you get it to say for sure.

 

[raydouble]

The third members seem to be more rust resistant than the housings themselves, for whatever reason.

 

[LongIsland60]

The gearing is different - 4.556 on mine and the other is from an auto, but I should just be able to use the housing and swap in my gears, right? (And maybe use the shafts from whichever ones look better)

No ABS on the '97 - I would assume the donor does have it, but not a problem to leave off.

Does that all sound right?

E.G.
How to Remove Rear 3rd Member from Toyota Axle

 

[ken_79-fj40]

The gearing is different - 4.556 on mine and the other is from an auto, but I should just be able to use the housing and swap in my gears, right? (And maybe use the shafts from whichever ones look better)

No ABS on the '97 - I would assume the donor does have it, but not a problem to leave off.

Does that all sound right?

E.G.
How to Remove Rear 3rd Member from Toyota Axle

Yes you could use just the housing, but ring and pinion work has to be done right if you want it to be quiet and last.

 

[LongIsland60]

Yes you could use just the housing, but ring and pinion work has to be done right if you want it to be quiet and last.

I will pass on doing the work myself, but can I assume that any competent auto mechanic can do it right?