I kinda stole this from Pirate4x4 but what if you replaced the bolts with studs, used a nut to tighten the caps down. Then drilled holes in the housing for the studs and put a brace on them from the outside? 
FAQ Axle - Gears - Lockers GX470 Upgrade Thread (1 Viewer)
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I haven't heard anything on stiffening the 8" but it would, in theory, help.
I should have been more clear, it is as Dan described on the axles. I kept the 8.2 axles/bearings since they were much lower mileage. I also used 8.2 ebrake, since it was all right there. I used GX calipers, brake lines, wheel sensors, etc., all bolted right up to the 8.2 brackets. The only other piece that did not swap in for me was the rear sway bar. The brackets attaching to the housing are different. I got all that stuff as part of the 8.2 purchase so not a big deal for me.
Glad I bit the bullet and did the 8.2 swap, if nothing else peace of mind.
It seems like there are plenty of 8.2s for sale from GX460s - I assume they're the same as the 2010+ FJ / 4Runner?
Right now I'm thinking 8.2 swap with 4.56 and an Aussie or other lunchbox locker in the rear, and keeping the front open.
For you all who swapped something else in, were you able to sell your 8" rear? I'm not looking to cover the whole cost but it would be nice to get a few hundred bucks for it.
Right now I'm thinking 8.2 swap with 4.56 and an Aussie or other lunchbox locker in the rear, and keeping the front open.
For you all who swapped something else in, were you able to sell your 8" rear? I'm not looking to cover the whole cost but it would be nice to get a few hundred bucks for it.
460s have a different ratio
If you are looking for an open 8.2" rear axle/diff assembly with 3.73 gears you want '10 and later 4Runner or FJ Cruiser with Auto transmission. These only look to be a couple hundred less than one with an e locker. There are a few on car-part but finding one within a couple hours distance seems to be the hard part.
Anyone seen these or tried them? I understand that flex with carrier bearing towers is the issue on Toyota 8 inch rear ends
Yukon Gear 3rd Member
Yukon Gear 3rd Member
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This looks very promising!
Way easier and less expensive than an axle swap. Get it cryogenic tempered and it would be even stronger.
I like the idea! I wonder if anyone has this? I will ask around.
UPDATE: Don't do it. From what I gathered it is nothing more than a Chinese made V6 8" housing and may actually be weaker than stock.
Thx for the feedback!
Initially I’m going to install a Truetrac with stock gearing. That gives me an opportunity to check the preload and I call still use the diff with new gearing down the road. I’m good with pulling the 3rd member every coupe of years to check the preload.
I am still debating a similar scenario as well. I would be more interested in the Grizzly Locker though. Do we know how one of these options would work with the VSC and ATRAC? Will it cause problems?
You know I have used Truetracs a lot and really like them. You need to sometimes use the brake to make them work and I understand that the ATRAC works much the same way. If anyone else has used one I would love to hear their experience.
Don't do it. Autolocker will defeat the stability control. I say this because I can do donuts on snow when I engage my rear elocker. I don't even lock my center diff. Stability control rely on rear wheel speed differences. When you Lock the rear it trick the stability control to think everything is happy and would not interfere or unable to brake the rear wheel individually to correct a slide.
I am a big fan of stability control for dailly driver. Airbag and safety belt might help in a crash. Stability control help reduce the chance of crash significantly.
I understand your reasoning. I used to own an '88 Toyota pickup with a grizzly locker in the rear and 4.88 gears. Very light rear end obviously. I am more concerned with an error from the VSC. I am wondering if the locker and VSC are compatible. I guess I need to hear from someone who had tried it.
