I have a dying 3.58 rear differential. I've been finding all sorts of conflicting information. Since I have to replace it, I thought why not put an E-locker in it. I have seen the difference and thought about doing a swap for the factory E-locker but I don't want a 4.3 ratio and an aftermarket locker looks like less work than modifying the axle housing. I want to stay with a 3.58 rear end and go with an aftermarket e-locker. Problem is I am finding all sorts of conflicting information. What I have found so far is that the following ratios were put in 3rd gens:
-3.58 V6 2wd
-3.73 4 cyl. 2wd
4.1 V6 4wd
4.3 V6 4wd
My main problem is some sources say the 3.58 and 3.73 are 7.5" ring gears where the 4.1 and 4.3 are 8" ring gears. I'm assuming this is the OD of the ring gear but I'm not sure I could also see this being the bolt circle of the ring gear. I found an E-locker for the 8" diff so I need to figure out if the 3.58 is an 8" or if it is 7.5 inch ring gear which I assume doesn't fit the e-locker. Can anyone shed some light on what I need to measure to figure out if my 3.58 diff is 7.5" or 8"? FYI it's a '96 2wd with axle code A01A.
Also looking for information on what years and models are compatible. I just plan to swap the dif carrier. I have no desire to swap the whole axle. I'm curious if there are other gear ratios on other Toyotas that would give me more options, plus looking for more junkyard sources. As best as I've been able to find it sounds like '96 to 04 tacoma and 4runner should fit. Not sure about the '03 and '04 4runner with those being 4th gen. If anyone has information relevant to this, please let me know.
Before anyone chimes in about why I want a locker in a 2wd, it's a pavement princess but it gets snowy here and having 2wd instead of 1wd on snow and ice is what I'm going after. I have a 4x4 for my offroad fun. Also looking to stay with the 3.58 rear for freeway fuel economy reasons. There's no reason to be turning 3k+ RPM at 80 mph. 2500 rpm @ 80 is nice.
-3.58 V6 2wd
-3.73 4 cyl. 2wd
4.1 V6 4wd
4.3 V6 4wd
My main problem is some sources say the 3.58 and 3.73 are 7.5" ring gears where the 4.1 and 4.3 are 8" ring gears. I'm assuming this is the OD of the ring gear but I'm not sure I could also see this being the bolt circle of the ring gear. I found an E-locker for the 8" diff so I need to figure out if the 3.58 is an 8" or if it is 7.5 inch ring gear which I assume doesn't fit the e-locker. Can anyone shed some light on what I need to measure to figure out if my 3.58 diff is 7.5" or 8"? FYI it's a '96 2wd with axle code A01A.
Also looking for information on what years and models are compatible. I just plan to swap the dif carrier. I have no desire to swap the whole axle. I'm curious if there are other gear ratios on other Toyotas that would give me more options, plus looking for more junkyard sources. As best as I've been able to find it sounds like '96 to 04 tacoma and 4runner should fit. Not sure about the '03 and '04 4runner with those being 4th gen. If anyone has information relevant to this, please let me know.
Before anyone chimes in about why I want a locker in a 2wd, it's a pavement princess but it gets snowy here and having 2wd instead of 1wd on snow and ice is what I'm going after. I have a 4x4 for my offroad fun. Also looking to stay with the 3.58 rear for freeway fuel economy reasons. There's no reason to be turning 3k+ RPM at 80 mph. 2500 rpm @ 80 is nice.
