Rear axle difference between 15 and 16 inch wheel

[atcpup]

So I've found a good deal on a complete, drum to drum, elocked rear end but it came off a runner that had 15inch wheels(i Have 16's). Is this important or is it mainly for speedometer calibration? Everything else matches up (ratio, ABS, etc)

 

[Sean K.]

So I've found a good deal on a complete, drum to drum, elocked rear end but it came off a runner that had 15inch wheels(i Have 16's). Is this important or is it mainly for speedometer calibration? Everything else matches up (ratio, ABS, etc)

Wheel size shouldn't matter as long as it has the same ratio you had and is ABS equipped (if your original was).

 

[buccaneerbandit]

wheel size

Someone correct me if Im wrong but I believe the only difference between a 15in rear and a 16 in rear is the brake wheel cylinder. 7/8th for 15 and 1 in diameter for 16 in wheels.

 

[csp]

Wheel size doesn't dictate speedometer calibration, tire size does.

 

[ajordan1975]

:bash:

 

[atcpup]

Thanks for the replies. So what I'm hearing is it really doesn't matter what the wheel size is coming from the donor vehicle? It seems it's a factor because every place I call wants to know my wheel size in addition to ratio, 2 or 4wd, ABS or not, etc..

 

[Scramble]

You need to make sure the new rear diff gearing matches your front diff.

 

[lgc285]

15 vs 16

reviving this thread with a similar question. trying to move quickly to replace a leaking axle and rusted backing plates.

Will a "15 inch" break assembly drum/backing plate and axle shaft work on my 98 limited that came with 16x7 wheels?

If I search McGeorge for backing plates, shoes, or drums, it doesn't appear to differentiate between 15 or 16" wheels. says the same part will work on base, limited, and SR5.

Anyone have any insight? thanks for any help

 

[phattyduck]

The only difference in 15" wheel and 16" wheel rear ends is gear ratio and wheel cylinders. Shoes, drums, hardware, etc. will otherwise match. There was a change with axle shafts in something like '01, but that is separate from the wheel size issue.

-Charlie

 

[lgc285]

Thanks Charlie, So it sounds like I could swap in the "15 in" setup in my current rear housing but probably not ideal?

Could I just put in a new wheel cylinder for the 16in wheel and be good to go?

ex: looking at this working with 16in wheels
96-02 Toyota 4Runner Tacoma RIGHT REAR Axle Shaft w Backing Plate ABS 15" Tire | eBay

 

[phattyduck]

Thanks Charlie, So it sounds like I could swap in the "15 in" setup in my current rear housing but probably not ideal?

Could I just put in a new wheel cylinder for the 16in wheel and be good to go?

You have to remove the brake line to swap the backing plate anyway - so what's another two 10mm bolts to swap your current wheel cylinders over?

That might be the 'later' style axle, so you'll need to do your research on the correct axle seal to go with it.

-Charlie