3rd member qustions

[Ida4runner]

I'm about to get a 87 4runner that has a 85 solid axle in front.

Questions:
1. are both 3rds the same?
2. the front has a Detroit locker,can I remove it from the front and install it in the rear?

Thanks for any info

 

[fourwd1]

The 3rd's are the same, so yes you can swap them

 

[Ida4runner]

The 3rd's are the same, so yes you can swap them

Thanks!

 

[Damion812]

I wondered about that! I have an 85 4runner with a lunch box locker in the rear end was kinda considering switching it it to the front to make it more road friendly. But I don't know I kind of like the two wheel action in the snow.

 

[Damion812]

I started this last week end. It was time to rebuild the front axle anyhow so I figured this would be a good time to swich third members.

 

[chromatika]

Thirds are the same most likely, but the front could be a high pinion 8" land cruiser diff. Pretty common to put that third in the front since it's reverse cut and has better clearance and is overall much stronger. If it is a HP up there you cannot run it in the back.

 

[MBZ300CD]

So when you do swap. RTV or gasket or both?
Thanks.

 

[Dropzone]

So when you do swap. RTV or gasket or both?
Thanks.

i have done 15-20 third swaps over the years, RTV had always worked for me.

Thirds are the same most likely, but the front could be a high pinion 8" land cruiser diff. Pretty common to put that third in the front since it's reverse cut and has better clearance and is overall much stronger. If it is a HP up there you cannot run it in the back.

Good point for the OP to look into.
High Pinion in the back is a no go

 

[Damion812]

I just completed the third member swap. It took a little bit longer than expected since I was replacing seals for the front axle and I found the rear axle bearings were on the way out.

The question of RTV or gasket or both, the front was a gasket and rear was RTV. Neather leaked like that. I went with RTV on a gasket.