Rear Axle swap

[99yota4]

Done my search but i'm missing the foundation of understanding this mod. I have a 4x4 3.4 auto without an e-locker and found one for sale. I am interested in making the move to purchase and hopefully swap this "complete rear axle" with the e-locker. What do I need to look for, can I perform this on my own or do I need a professional to do it at a shop? Are the stock 4.10 or 4.30 gears for the e-locker good enough for bigger tires (say a 35 inch tire) Any info or help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

 

[driffter33]

First off check your truck to see if the dash is pre wired if it is you will need the factory switch and locker ecu . here are some helpful links if you are mechanical you should have no problem following this to do the job mine works great. I wold recommend going to 4.88 gears. mine with 33's and 4.10s is ok around town but out on the highway shifts in and out of OD. a lot and lacking the power for the hills. I have plans for 4.88 with 35's you might even want to go to 5.29s

Retrofit Electric Locker

Outdoor Recreation Network - Off-Highway, Jeep, & 4x4 Fun

Good luck and if you have a complete axle located jump on it fast.

 

[brian2sun]

^ x2. I have 4.88s/33s and I would go with 5.29s for sure with 35s. Even with 4-5" of lift (suspension and body combined), you have to do a lot of cutting and pounding in the fenders to fit 35s and not rub off road in case your not aware.

 

[99yota4]

So you guys are saying that I should snatch the axle, regear it to 5.29 and it will just swap right in? I'm not sure if the empty harness on the left side of the steering wheel is the E-locker harness. How can I confirm this.

 

[kball]

You do realize you'll have to regear the front diff as well right?

 

[driffter33]

So you guys are saying that I should snatch the axle, regear it to 5.29 and it will just swap right in? I'm not sure if the empty harness on the left side of the steering wheel is the E-locker harness. How can I confirm this.

To confirm your wiring arrangement look at pics and read the wiring section of this thread should help.

Retrofit Electric Locker

This is the thread I used to do my retro fit At least all the wiring part and yes the re geared rear-end will swap right in. As Brian2sun said keep in mind to that to fit 35's you will be doing cutting and hammering to your truck. I am running 3" lift with 2" body lift 16X8 wheels with 4" backspacing and 255X85X16 tiers or 33.5X9.5 and they rub some up front when flexed and turning.

 

[LINY4Runner]

I wouldn't go with a taller gear than 4.88, personally...any higher and the pinion gets too small and can break alot easier.

You'll have to regear the front also to match the back.

You don't necessarily need the dash to be pre-wired, you can get a switch-to-diff harness from 12voltguy.com.

 

[brian2sun]

I wouldn't go with a taller gear than 4.88, personally...any higher and the pinion gets too small and can break alot easier.

I say get them set up at a place that has a good 3-5 year warranty and enjoy the power you'll have to push 35s with 5.29s. I do agree with LINY that the lower the ratio, the weaker the pinion, but it's still not common for 5.29s to break. 5.71s and lower start having issues. If you're going to spend that much money, get the power you need. I would not be happy with 35s and my 4.88s - that would feel like a 4 banger.