Diff builder recommendations in Dallas area?

[TheMAN]

Hello mudders, first let me apologize if I posted in the wrong section because I don't own a cruiser, runner, or pickup... but I do own a Toyota at least! I'm just thinking this is the best section to post this question as what I'm asking about uses the same parts...

I have a 93 previa with a rear end going out. The previa uses the same diff as the 86-95 hilux/runners. 8" ring gear and all... Mine has the 4.3 ring gear. So I was wondering if there are any recommendations for a builder here in the Dallas area?

I'm going to be putting in a 1st gen Altezza LSD while I'm at it too. It fits the Previa perfectly as long as I used series 80 carrier bearings. That diff should work in the hilux/runners too, but probably you guys will prefer an ARB or aussie locker instead
I learned about the Altezza LSD mod here: アルテッツァのトルセンLSDをエスティマに移植



And for those remotely interested in my van: My Canadian spec TCR10W Previa - Estima Owners

Original owner, ~333000km... a much cherished "family car" for road trips because it's comfortable, tough, handles great, gets great gas mileage, and doesn't sag like a worn couch when loaded full of cargo!

Mods:
EDM glass headlights imported from Van Deijne in Netherlands
JDM corner lights
depo tail lights
Fujitsubo catback exhaust
1mm larger front sway bar from supercharged previa
larger panhard arm from supercharged previa
2005 Estima (Previa) 16" wheels to replace the steelies and peeling hub caps
K&N panel filter

so why mod a van? same reason why you guys do stuff to your trucks I just love to improve what's already good!


I found this forum thanks to Nicolas Rapp (transworld expedition). I also have to say that I'm always a big fan of all of the Toyota trucks, but unfortunately I don't have room in my budget for a 6th vehicle right now... perhaps one day I'll get a pickup or cruiser

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Hehehe Isn't that Previa already super charged and all wheel drive? Or were those just options? LSD=Awesome! I don't know of anyone in the Dallas area, but you should check out Toyota Gear Installs if you have not already, maybe send Zuk an email to see if he knows of a good shop int he area, or just bow to his expertise and send the diff off to him... Welcome to Mud!

 

[TheMAN]

"4WD" was an option everywhere the Previa was sold... called the "Alltrac" here in the States Ours is just the RWD model as my parents could barely afford it when they bought it back in 94 (even on the "year end" closeout sale of those left over 93s... economy was crappy in Canada then).

The supercharged version didn't come till mid 94, and the cost increase was significant enough that Toyota Canada made this optional for a few years after this came out while everything was S/C in the states. Interestingly, Europe never got the S/C version but always had the bigger sway bar.

Still wish ours is supercharged and AWD though.

I've been in contact with Zuk over at the "other" forum (in fact he contacted me first after I posted a similar thread there) and gave me a bunch of advice. He doesn't know of anyone in Texas and he's taking a break for a year. I'd love to send him my stuff for him to do if he wasn't taking a hiatus, or if I wasn't in a hurry. I'm getting ready for another road trip in a couple of weeks, so time isn't on my side nor is luck (gas prices)



oh and yeah... other than the 4th door, I think siennas suck compared to the previa... it may have more power, but the rest of the chassis is weak sauce and doesn't handle nearly as good... the suspension is all mushy too... I bet you know this once you see how the back bumper almost drags with only 7 people in the van and nothing else!

the suspension in my previa is nice and firm, after the KYB GR2 struts and the KYB gas-a-just shocks in the back! Great for handling, great for euro-style comfort

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Try asking in one of the Texas club sections here on Mud. Click the clubhouse tab at the top, and go look for for Texas.

 

[TheMAN]

Well talk about bad luck... I took my van to my usual shop and they couldn't pull the axles out in order to take the 3rd member off! They're just stuck in! So next week, I'm taking it over to Baertrax and hopefully they can do it... Josh says they always been able to pull axles out, no matter how tough. I sure hope so!

I think I remember seeing the gaskets missing behind the backing plates, so this may have a lot to do with it. A shop did an emergency 3rd member swap for me a couple of years ago and I guess they "forgot" the gaskets and now I have to deal with this stupid mess.

I'm not ready to give up on this van, seeing as they're as indestructible as the Hilux... saw a posting on some yahoo answers page that someone got 820k out of their Previa! I'm not even halfway there yet! I also found out from that page that the Previa's 2TZ engine is basically the same thing as the 2RZ engine found on the newer Hilux/Tacomas... but just installed "slanted" instead with the oil pan bolted to the side of the block... really weird setup indeed

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Strange.... I hope you have luck getting the axles out.....