Sourcing 4.56 OEM V6 3rd member

[geohil]

Well a costly trip wheeling leaves me with a grenade-ed rear end. Of course I have a rare A04A axle code so I'm asking for help. I need to find if possible a used e-locker equipped 2-pinion 4.56 ratio 3rd member. Needle in a haystack I guess.... any help is appreciated.

I'll get pics of the diff internals this weekend. Gotta say these 4Runners are built tough. I had to limp over 40 miles after I sheered the first tooth. It made horrific sounds as it ate itself but it never stopped rolling and let me limp to cell coverage. I did detach the rear driveline to limit stress on the broken diff. Ugh!

 

[geohil]

Doing additional research is it really a 4.56? I'm seeing A04A as a 4.30 in other docs? I would do a spin-test but the diff is almost locked up.
Anyone know axle ratios for sure? It is a 97, Auto, V6, Limited, E-locker, from Canada.

Thanks again

 

[SpidermanGeek]

Anyone know axle ratios for sure? It is a 97, Auto, V6, Limited, E-locker, from Canada.

Thanks again

Only sure way is to count the teeth, BUT, for a '97 Auto V6 Limited with E-Locker... chances are likely that it's got 4.30 gears.

I think the 4.56 was only available on I4 Manuals

 

[Troybylt]

Doing additional research is it really a 4.56? I'm seeing A04A as a 4.30 in other docs? I would do a spin-test but the diff is almost locked up.
Anyone know axle ratios for sure? It is a 97, Auto, V6, Limited, E-locker, from Canada.

Thanks again

The only real way to tell ratio is to do the spin test or pull it out and count the (remaining) teeth on the ring and pinion. Toyota was in a weird stage and the diff ratios almost never match your door code.

Typically, all 5 speeds were 4.10, all auto V6's were 4.30 and most auto 4 cyl were 4.56 but this is not a given.

Can you disconnect the rear drive shaft put it in 4x4 and spin test off the front diff?

 

[gamefreakgc]

I was told you can use the 3rd members from 89-95 4Runners & Pickups, the 4.56 gears were much more common on those. You'll want to double check that though before buying one.

 

[geohil]

The only real way to tell ratio is to do the spin test or pull it out and count the (remaining) teeth on the ring and pinion. Toyota was in a weird stage and the diff ratios almost never match your door code.

Typically, all 5 speeds were 4.10, all auto V6's were 4.30 and most auto 4 cyl were 4.56 but this is not a given.

Can you disconnect the rear drive shaft put it in 4x4 and spin test off the front diff?

Looks like you all are correct - I've been thinking I was a 4.56 - but this:
http://www.sonoransteel.com/includes...aGearRatio.pdf
I am a 4.30. That makes is so much easier to find parts. I will do the spin test on the front diff just to verify.

Funny part is it is cheaper to buy a donor vehicle with both axles intact then to buy just an e-locker 3rd!

Thanks all

 

[SpidermanGeek]

The only real way to tell ratio is to do the spin test

I'd imagine it's still pretty hard to tell the difference between 4.10, 4.30 & 4.56 from a spin test. There are a lot of variables that could skew the calculation. Doesn't seem very accurate to me, but I've never tried.

Would tire size matter in a spin test? Seems like that could skew the ratio measurement?

Sorry, I've always been skeptical of the spin test, I just could never fully wrap my head around it. I know there's a write-up somewhere on here for it and most folks have had a good result I suppose.

 

[geohil]

I just figure I'll look at what is stamped on the ring gear (whatever is left of it) when I take the cover off.
Maybe I'll just take some time and get my 4.88's now......hmmmmmm?

Total side note but I didn't realize how much slop there is in the front IFS. I was going down a steep hill in 4-low and downshifted and that was enough strain on my front end to get my 295's to rub the back of the inner fender. I have new ball-joints, new control arm bushings, and new inner and outer tie rods so I was surprised it pushed the front tires back far enough to rub.

 

[phattyduck]

I'd imagine it's still pretty hard to tell the difference between 4.10, 4.30 & 4.56 from a spin test. There are a lot of variables that could skew the calculation. Doesn't seem very accurate to me, but I've never tried.

Would tire size matter in a spin test? Seems like that could skew the ratio measurement?

Sorry, I've always been skeptical of the spin test, I just could never fully wrap my head around it. I know there's a write-up somewhere on here for it and most folks have had a good result I suppose.

It is insanely easy to tell the ratios with a spin test, at least if you have a friend there to help. I counted my pinion at EXACTLY 41 revolutions (like, within 10% of a rotation) for my 4.10 gears. It should be pretty easy to tell the difference between 41, 43 or 45.6 revolutions... The only challenge is a disconnected ADD front end. Tire size has nothing to do with it.

-Charlie

 

[NoHair]

On your front end lift one tire off the ground and keep the other planted, put in neutral, as you make one rotation with the tire count the drive line revolutions, a little more than 4 = 4.11 about 4 1/4 = 4.30 about 4 1/2 = 4.56. It is really easy to do. Mark the drive line with a maker or something if needed. It is that simple to find out.