Toyota Surf front differential rebuild/replace question

[garrettpsu]

I have a 1991 Toyota Surf 2.4 LT that has a front differential locking up. It's an 8" with 4.30 gears.

I'd like to get it rebuilt or replaced, but not too many options available out there. It's a full time 4 wheel drive truck.

Question - would a 4.30 assembly from a 4Runner with auto disconnect possibly work?

Located on VA/NC border, so looking for rebuilders if I can't find a used option.

TIA

 

[gnob]

afaik there no awd surfs.
the front diff is 7.5
all torsion bar front diffs are adaptable

 

[garrettpsu]

afaik there no awd surfs.
the front diff is 7.5
all torsion bar front diffs are adaptable

This is not a torsion bar front suspension truck. Apparently the same as a 2nd gen 4runner with 4.10 gears

 

[gnob]

This is not a torsion bar front suspension truck. Apparently the same as a 2nd gen 4runner with 4.10 gears

so what springs sre used?

 

[garrettpsu]

so what springs sre used?

I came here to edit my post - apparently, I was given bad information. It is a torsion bar front suspension. Sorry. I think I am going to take it to East Coast Gear in NC. My shop guy drained the diff fluid and found a nice chunk from the ring gear apparently. Around $800 for a rebuild. Doesn't seem bad at all. Will do a clutch while we have it apart.

 

[gnob]

good choice. ecgs is legit

 

[garrettpsu]

good choice. ecgs is legit

I had some 3rds from my mini truck and some other Toyota's from them. And it's a 1.5 hour drive from our shop, so not too bad. 4 day turn around too. But I will likely need a new ADD as I was getting the front end engaging. Always been a good option.

 

[gnob]

swap to manual hubs and lose the add

 

[garrettpsu]

swap to manual hubs and lose the add

Not a bad idea. I did that on my 70 series Prado and never looked back. That stock setup is even worse.