2nd Gen Axle Shaft Questions

Howdy y'all. I really hope I haven't missed anything because I've used the search function and google to death

I have a 2006 TRD Off-Road and bent my axle shaft. Yuh I know.

Ok.. so I always hear talk about the TRD Sport diffs being infinitely better and everything. I have also heard that the sports have chromoly axle shafts.... is this true? If it is I would love to throw a set in my axle. However I don't know the spline counts on either axle... Basically I need to know:

Will sport axle shafts fit in an off road axle?

Are the sport axle shafts chromoly?

What are the spline counts on both axles?


orrrrr should I just say eff it and throw a dana 60 under there since I'm planning on running 35" (possibly bigger) tires

Sorry in advance if I've said anything stupid. Thanks!

 

All 2nd gen Tacoma axle shafts should be the same spline count IIRC.

 

So thats not affected by diff size then?

 

Correct, both the TRD offroad and sport have the exact same axle, and they are not chromo. The xrunner has a different lug pattern but will otherwise fit.

I used to order used spares off of Ebay because they usually come with the bearing and brake backing plate installed. Note that the axles themselves are the same side to side, but the backing plates ARE side specific. It's possible to change an axle without a press, but it's hard on the axle. You can slam it down on a rock or concrete on the spline end and knock the brakes off, but using a press is the right way to do it. You don't really want stronger axle shafts. That moves the fuse to the diff, and thirds are more expensive than axles. If you are looking at a budget bombproof axle find a 14 bolt out of a military chevy pickup (CUCV). They are cheap, and come with a detroit locker and 4.56 gears. http://tps.toyotaofdallas.com/parts/2010/Toyota/Tacoma/index.cfm?action=partDetail&section=UNIVERSALS%20%26%20REAR%20AXLE&group=REAR%20AXLE&subgroup=REAR%20AXLE&component=AXLE%20SHAFTS&partnumber=4231104081&vehicleid=302700&siteid=214074

I had 4 spare 05+ axle shafts with brakes that I gave away about 6 months ago when I got my new axle. Maybe try to contact that boatracer dude and see if he can hook you up with parts? (He's doing an axle upgrade) http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/member.php?u=115290

 

Boatracer is switching to a ford 9 inch axle so he may have something

 

Thanks for all the info! Yeah, I was thinking it wouldnt be that beneficial to spend more money on chromoly when I already have a weak diff. I'll hit up Boatracer or check the prices on some junkyards around here. I have a press too if needed.

About this military axle... what do you mean by cheap? I'm finding them for around $1500... Also how much wider are we talking than the toyota?

 

I've seen them brand new with zero miles sell for $500 from a military surplus place in socal. I've seen the whole truck sell for that, but it was beat up. They are very close width wise at 67". They are around if you know where to look. JBLM DRMO would be a good place to start...