UnderFire
New member
Talking tacomas there, all 3rd gen 4runners and older have 8" rear diffs of some kind.
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- Thread starter SCHUNTER1969
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Talking tacomas there, all 3rd gen 4runners and older have 8" rear diffs of some kind.
Toyotayoda
New member
That is a good deal. Just rotate and inspect the gears, they're probably fine just want to be sure there is no pitting or chipping. rotate the pinion to see if it's smooth, if it feels rough, no big deal pinion bearings aren't very expensive, but a couple hundred dollars in bearings might change the deal for some people. my rig still has original gears at 280k, so honestly I don't think there is any problem with the gear set. But if you have oversize tires and want your acceleration and accurate odometer back those 4.88 ears are a must have.
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SCHUNTER1969
New member
Got it
Alright so I just happened to have a buddy going to visit family in Richmond for Thanksgiving. And he picked up the rear diff. for $175. The guy said he was parting out a 1994 4runner with stock 4.88 gear ratio. I just happened to have a rear axle sitting around and was able to test fit the spindles. Everything fits great, gears look great, but won't know for sure until I install and run it.
MY QUESTION, the diff. looks like there is a place for a plug for draining the fluid and then another even smaller hole. What are these two holes??? See the pictures. Does anybody know what type of bolt I need or part number? Is this a problem or can I put bolts in the holes, seal weld it, and call it a day. That way I would still drain/fill my rear axle like orginally designed. And just a refresher this is going on a 99 4runner.
Alright so I just happened to have a buddy going to visit family in Richmond for Thanksgiving. And he picked up the rear diff. for $175. The guy said he was parting out a 1994 4runner with stock 4.88 gear ratio. I just happened to have a rear axle sitting around and was able to test fit the spindles. Everything fits great, gears look great, but won't know for sure until I install and run it.
MY QUESTION, the diff. looks like there is a place for a plug for draining the fluid and then another even smaller hole. What are these two holes??? See the pictures. Does anybody know what type of bolt I need or part number? Is this a problem or can I put bolts in the holes, seal weld it, and call it a day. That way I would still drain/fill my rear axle like orginally designed. And just a refresher this is going on a 99 4runner.
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SCHUNTER1969
New member
Re
You confirmed with what I just read online. Do you think I should install a speedo sensor just to plug the diff. (which I'd rather not do) or is there a way to run a bolt through it?
I am trying to find a mod where somebody bypassed the speedo sensor or removed it but have came up empty.
I am really considering just cutting some 1/4" steel plate to match the face of that whole speedo sensor mount. And then welding it over the mount. I have seen people weld diff. protectors on, so the welding would mess up the diff. What do you think about that idea?
You confirmed with what I just read online. Do you think I should install a speedo sensor just to plug the diff. (which I'd rather not do) or is there a way to run a bolt through it?
I am trying to find a mod where somebody bypassed the speedo sensor or removed it but have came up empty.
I am really considering just cutting some 1/4" steel plate to match the face of that whole speedo sensor mount. And then welding it over the mount. I have seen people weld diff. protectors on, so the welding would mess up the diff. What do you think about that idea?
UnderFire
New member
You could chop the steel out and drill the hole for the bolt and seal it up with silicone and bolt it down into the small hole, or just put a bolt with a nut on it if there's room. You may also be able to tap the hole and thread a bolt in.
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SCHUNTER1969
New member
Re
I do not have the tools required to tap that large of a hole but I could buy them... The silicone idea leaves room for possible down the road hassle. You don't think welding a plate over it is a viable solution?
I do not have the tools required to tap that large of a hole but I could buy them... The silicone idea leaves room for possible down the road hassle. You don't think welding a plate over it is a viable solution?
SCHUNTER1969
New member
No Going Back
Well I did it. I welded 1/4" plate over the holes. I didnt take the time to grind it down perfectly because I will never be able to see it. Tomorrow I am going to stand the diff. up and fill it up with gear oil. This will allow me to clean the diff. and make sure its sealed.
Well I did it. I welded 1/4" plate over the holes. I didnt take the time to grind it down perfectly because I will never be able to see it. Tomorrow I am going to stand the diff. up and fill it up with gear oil. This will allow me to clean the diff. and make sure its sealed.
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SCHUNTER1969
New member
SCHUNTER1969
New member
Done
My front driver side wheel bearing started singing... so I planned to replace both front bearings. I have 260k miles on my 4runner and have never had to do this. Also just so happens last week my passenger rear axle bearing crapped the bed.
Sooooo this past weekend I took my front knuckles and rear axles to have new bearings and seals pressed in (only used Toyota parts). While the shop was doing that I went to Ace hardware and bought the strongest bolts they had I think they were grade 8 or 10. I took my stock rear third member off, removed the old studs and from inside the rear axle I threaded the bolts going out of the axle. RTV grey sealant and mounted the 4.88 geared third member.
I absolutely love the 4.88 gear ratio. I plan on taking a front diff out of a junkyard 4runner and building it to a 4.88. I have 295's and plan on going to 315's. I am doing a mpg test now but man the 4.88 gear ratio is perfect.
My front driver side wheel bearing started singing... so I planned to replace both front bearings. I have 260k miles on my 4runner and have never had to do this. Also just so happens last week my passenger rear axle bearing crapped the bed.
Sooooo this past weekend I took my front knuckles and rear axles to have new bearings and seals pressed in (only used Toyota parts). While the shop was doing that I went to Ace hardware and bought the strongest bolts they had I think they were grade 8 or 10. I took my stock rear third member off, removed the old studs and from inside the rear axle I threaded the bolts going out of the axle. RTV grey sealant and mounted the 4.88 geared third member.
I absolutely love the 4.88 gear ratio. I plan on taking a front diff out of a junkyard 4runner and building it to a 4.88. I have 295's and plan on going to 315's. I am doing a mpg test now but man the 4.88 gear ratio is perfect.
Theginger91
New member
I have a 2000 4x4 with the rear locker would that 3rd member swap into a 98 2wd both are limited trim.
96RedRunner
Senior Member
Non-locker housing needs modifications for it to fit, many have done it.
