FAQ Axle - Gears - Lockers GX470 Upgrade Thread

[HomersCanyonero]

I checked the housing and they are indeed threaded for M10x1.25 studs (as opposed to the M8x1.25 8" housing).

I picked up one of these kits in lieu of the studs, mainly due to living in the sticks and a good distance from a Toyota dealer, I tried to assemble a kit myself, but M10x1.25 hardware is pretty darn tough to find.

Heavy Duty Toyota 8.4" Diff Stud Eliminator Kit M10x1.25

Eliminate weak diff studs with our Toyota 8.4" Eliminator Kit. Heavy-duty M10x1.25 design. Shop now at Yotamasters for a stronger, lasting upgrade.

www.yotamasters.com

Interesting kit…so we can replace the factory oem bolts in the 8.2” pumpkin with these Class 12.9 (better than Grade 8) bolt so we can over torque them bolts?

 

[Rednexus]

Interesting kit…so we can replace the factory oem bolts in the 8.2” pumpkin with these Class 12.9 (better than Grade 8) bolt so we can over torque them bolts?

That appears to be the plan, although I'll likely just torque them to the OEM spec. Can't say I've ever heard of one getting loose. I also really hate dealing with studs and much prefer a bolt solution that is affixed from both sides.

 

[Super]

Torque specs are generally determined by the fastener. Going by the factory fastener spec will basically negate any advantage of the higher grade bolt/stud since you’d have no additional clamping force.
I’d use yotamasters spec and rock on.

BTW, it looks like I may be #3 to do this trussed housing in a 470. With some luck I’ll be placing my order in the next 1-2 weeks when some funds free up. Between a new welder and related stuff, a full suspension and various other things the last month or two have been expensive.

 

[5280 Lexus]

That appears to be the plan, although I'll likely just torque them to the OEM spec. Can't say I've ever heard of one getting loose. I also really hate dealing with studs and much prefer a bolt solution that is affixed from both sides.

I picked up the studs and rest of the fasteners from Toyota today. Talked to the parts dept and got an update on the housing. It shipped out so it should be here soon. Guess it has to get delivered to the big California warehouse first then it will ship to Colorado. Appears that US Toyota doesnt keep much stock of that part number ending in A91 since its not USA spec.

May be easier to order from partsouq or somewhere else if you can confirm availability and delivery time.

 

[5280 Lexus]

I checked the housing and they are indeed threaded for M10x1.25 studs (as opposed to the M8x1.25 8" housing).

I picked up one of these kits in lieu of the studs, mainly due to living in the sticks and a good distance from a Toyota dealer, I tried to assemble a kit myself, but M10x1.25 hardware is pretty darn tough to find.

Heavy Duty Toyota 8.4" Diff Stud Eliminator Kit M10x1.25

Eliminate weak diff studs with our Toyota 8.4" Eliminator Kit. Heavy-duty M10x1.25 design. Shop now at Yotamasters for a stronger, lasting upgrade.

www.yotamasters.com

I would be interested to know how that kit works out it is definitely cheaper than sourcing from toyota. With plugs, gasket and studs it cost $160 for me.

 

[Rednexus]

I would be interested to know how that kit works out it is definitely cheaper than sourcing from toyota. With plugs, gasket and studs it cost $160 for me.

That's crazy! I'm 90% sure the 8" plugs will also work but we'll see.

I am skipping the gasket and going to OEM Toyota seal packing (FIPG) instead, which was around $30/tube, and supposedly gear oil specific:

Pardon Our Interruption...

Also - I tried to get the A91 housing from my local Toyota dealer back in December and they said it was "probably out of production", which is why I got it from Megazip at that time. I had called my dealer sometime earlier in 2024 to see if they even could get it and, at that time, there was one housing in stock in CA (but they could get it). I was a ways off from this upgrade then so I didn't buy it. So, looks like they 100% are still in production, and dealers can get them in the US, which is good to hear.

 

[Rednexus]

Started the Aussie 8.2 install today. Info is in my build thread, linked here. I probably won't have it totally tied up until later this week at the easiest, as most of today was spent on replacing rear wheel bearings and puling out the old 8".

FYI, the Yotamaster studs are a bit of a pain to install, but at least they'll never come out again like normal studs. When I zipped the 3rd member out of my old 8", only one of the nuts came out. Every other one came out as a nut and a stud.

 

[5280 Lexus]

Started the Aussie 8.2 install today. Info is in my build thread, linked here. I probably won't have it totally tied up until later this week at the easiest, as most of today was spent on replacing rear wheel bearings and puling out the old 8".

FYI, the Yotamaster studs are a bit of a pain to install, but at least they'll never come out again like normal studs. When I zipped the 3rd member out of my old 8", only one of the nuts came out. Every other one came out as a nut and a stud.
View attachment 3914968

I picked up the axle housing from toyota today and can confirm it was also the trussed housing. Going to start on the install this weekend.

 

[Rednexus]

I picked up the axle housing from toyota today and can confirm it was also the trussed housing. Going to start on the install this weekend.

I beat you, but not by much . FYI the sway bar mount bolts are M10x1.25 (instead of M8 like the 120 housing), and the 150 sway bar is a tiny bit thicker. Everything else is completely plug-and-play - brake lines, speed sensor wiring, links, shock bolts, etc.

 

[Super]

Ordered the trussed 8.2 housing and a bunch of little stuff from Partsouq today.
Still need a rear diff core.

 

[5280 Lexus]

I beat you, but not by much . FYI the sway bar mount bolts are M10x1.25 (instead of M8 like the 120 housing), and the 150 sway bar is a tiny bit thicker. Everything else is completely plug-and-play - brake lines, speed sensor wiring, links, shock bolts, etc.
View attachment 3917611

I was able to get the axle swapped in today with the help of a friend. Was definitely plug and play job went pretty smooth, maneuvering the axle out/was a little tricky but overall job was straightforward. Was able to do it without disconnecting the brake lines.

I have an aftermarket sway bar bracket and from my quick check it looks like it will bolt up if i get the right bolt size.

 

[5280 Lexus]

Ordered the trussed 8.2 housing and a bunch of little stuff from Partsouq today.
Still need a rear diff core.

I found mine off car part locally, used the carrier assembly search parameter. When i went to check it out it was in a whole assembly that had a bent housing. Worked out good was able to check that it had the 14mm nut on the third member

 

[Super]

Every time I check, nothing local pops up at anything resembling a reasonable price. Do you mind if I ask what you paid?

 

[Rednexus]

Every time I check, nothing local pops up at anything resembling a reasonable price. Do you mind if I ask what you paid?

They can also be found on eBay. I got a rusty one from a GX460 for $285 plus shipping. It's going back to ECGS as a core (after I clean it up as a needle scaler), so I wasn't too picky on which 3rd member I got.

8.2 3rd members for a 4Runner were around $400-500 at local salvage yards per car-part.com. The GX460 3rd member (at least in my area) usually cheaper by a few hundred bucks, but it has 3.91 gears. You could also pick up a GX460 front differential (there are several on eBay right now for $150 plus shipping) and get a front and rear 3.91 regear if you aren't going to aftermarket gears as part of the axle swap.

 

[Super]

Yeah, I grabbed a front for $250 total off Ebay couple weeks ago. Seller in VA, but they just work deals elsewhere. How do I know? Thing came from Wisconsin and had the expected rust you would see from that part of the world Like you, that will just be a core return once I knock off the heavy rust.

My search for a reasonably priced 8.2 carrier has ended. I just scored one for $400 total after shipping on EBay a few minutes ago.

I’m still on the fence about gear ratio and tire size. The sensible side of me says go with 4.56/33”-keep tire weight low and save some $$$.
The devil on my shoulder wants 4.88/35”. I do know where that will lead for me…

 

[HomersCanyonero]

It would be good if you guys who are getting a parts from here and there to rebuild the rear/front diffs would post a cost breakdown materials (parts, bolts, nuts, fluids, seals, wiring harness, tax, shipping, etc), tools that you had to buy, plus the labor hours you put into it.

Obviously, half of us can’t do the labor ourselves, but it would be good to compare to someone who went to a shop to get a quote to have it all done.

 

[5280 Lexus]

It would be good if you guys who are getting a parts from here and there to rebuild the rear/front diffs would post a cost breakdown materials (parts, bolts, nuts, fluids, seals, wiring harness, tax, shipping, etc), tools that you had to buy, plus the labor hours you put into it.

Obviously, half of us can’t do the labor ourselves, but it would be good to compare to someone who went to a shop to get a quote to have it all done.

• 3rd member from 2013 4runner $500
• Axle housing from Toyota $1200
• Mounting hardware, drain/fill plugs, and gasket from Toyota $160
• Toyota Axle seals and o ring $40
• Gear oil $50
• New parking brake assembly $42
• Total cost $1992

I reused the axle shafts, hub, and brakes from my 8 inch axle. If you disconnect the brake lines also will need brake fluid to bleed them. I installed some new upper links ive had sitting around for awhile.

I got a few quotes from local shops for front/rear regear and adding rear locker was in the $5000 range. Priced out yukon gears and an eaton e locker around $2500 to order on my own. Ive been interested in learning to set up gears so its tempting to try it on my own but more risky. 5th gen gear ratios the same as gx470 so im just gonna drive it as is for awhile til i can decide what i wanna do. Also gives me some time budget for gears and locker.

Tool wise you could do the swap with basic hand tools, pry bar, small sledge, and a jack or two. A nice impact makes it go faster. Used a furniture dolly and some wood blocks to move the axles around. After everything is disconnected and the axle droops the springs should just pop out and you can put them back in before putting the new axle into place

 

[HomersCanyonero]

• 3rd member from 2013 4runner $500
• Axle housing from Toyota $1200
• Mounting hardware, drain/fill plugs, and gasket from Toyota $160
• Toyota Axle seals and o ring $40
• Gear oil $50
• New parking brake assembly $42
• Total cost $1992

I reused the axle shafts, hub, and brakes from my 8 inch axle. If you disconnect the brake lines also will need brake fluid to bleed them. I installed some new upper links ive had sitting around for awhile.

I got a few quotes from local shops for front/rear regear and adding rear locker was in the $5000 range. Priced out yukon gears and an eaton e locker around $2500 to order on my own. Ive been interested in learning to set up gears so its tempting to try it on my own but more risky. 5th gen gear ratios the same as gx470 so im just gonna drive it as is for awhile til i can decide what i wanna do. Also gives me some time budget for gears and locker.

Tool wise you could do the swap with basic hand tools, pry bar, small sledge, and a jack or two. A nice impact makes it go faster. Used a furniture dolly and some wood blocks to move the axles around. After everything is disconnected and the axle droops the springs should just pop out and you can put them back in before putting the new axle into place

I posted this in another thread, but this was my cost

GX470 8.2 and 4.56 Costs
TOTAL: $5606 and 4 days to complete at Premier West Gears in Riverside, CA in 2024

PARTS: $3455

• 2016 4R KDSS Factory ELocked 8.2” $1900; found by shop in SoCal; straight and no rust
• Revolution 4.56 Gears front/rear polished $1000
• Wiring harness with switch for factory elocker $277
• $279 Shop supplies and taxes

LABOR: $2150

• $1200 for regearing front and rear
• $800 to install the 8.2 elocked housing and install/swap in components including rear Nolathane 24mm HD sway bar, new sway bar brackets, OCD rear end links, elocker wiring, PCK, ebrake, backing plates, rear axles, 4R panhard bar, and all brake components
• $150 Alignment

 

[Rednexus]

I got a few quotes from local shops for front/rear regear and adding rear locker was in the $5000 range. Priced out yukon gears and an eaton e locker around $2500 to order on my own. Ive been interested in learning to set up gears so its tempting to try it on my own but more risky. 5th gen gear ratios the same as gx470 so im just gonna drive it as is for awhile til i can decide what i wanna do. Also gives me some time budget for gears and locker.

I looked at DIYing my gears, but ultimately went with ECGS. Their assembled 3rds are about the same price as a set of gears, locker, and a parts/bearing kit alone, and they have a warranty. With buying a dial indicator and other tools to build the gears, it would have been more expensive.

My local gear shop initially thought a Lexus GX was a car, tried to tell me the diffs were vin specific, that it needed a 29-to-32 spline adapter, and ultimately said that it was going to be too much of a pain figure so they weren't interested in the job. That's a pitfall being a Toyota guy living in diesel truck and Jeep country.

 

[Super]

Just stopped by my house for lunch and this was waiting outside the door. FedEx driver had to be cussing me as he dragged it up the stairs. Have a full set of belt mouldings and a couple other small items too.