Rear Axle Swap Suggestions

Well I have some how managed to bend my rear axle. It is toed in of all things, not sure how you do that. May have happened from when the truck was stolen last year.

I could buy a new to my e-locker housing and be done with it... but that just doesn't seem fun. And I wanna step up to 35" tires soon anyways.

Soooo I am starting the research process on a swap. I have looked at the 9" swaps but they seem to come with a lot of compromises when it comes to ABS and having to do a lot of work with the brakes. I've found some land cruiser stuff but haven't found a great answer yet. Wanna go a little wider than stock and a ruff stuff housing isn't off the list but they don't make one for 2nd gens. So what's the news!?

 

My e-locker housing is bent too, just found out a few weeks ago, What are your symptoms if any? Mine drives straight as an arrow on the highway in 2wd, as soon as I put it in 4x4 even when on gravel, I have to fight with the steering wheel pretty good to keep it straight. Front alignment is dead on.

Edit, Oh and any chance your truck has been towed on a flat bed lately? Thats what the shop said it is likely from, an inexperienced towing tech that cranked down the chains too tight.

 

It has been towed a few times from the theft last year....

It drives just fine but the rear tire wear is significant compared to the front. I am eating my expensive tires for lunch and dinner.

 

Currie makes a direct replacement

 

Thank you!

Link for others: http://www.currieenterprises.com/TA-F9325R

It's not on the cheap end but I really like the idea of upgrading to a 9" center section, the options are endless. Of course I will need to buy the 3rd member and all that fun stuff on top. A great option here but man I will need to save up some lunch pennies for this one. Thanks for the info!!!

 

Currie Rock Jock F9 9" with an selectable locker. Ox or ARB air.

 

Talking to Diamond. They are in the development stage of a 2nd gen axle that can be swapped in. I am waiting for some specific details but this may be a great option and save a lot of cash.

 

That would be awesome!! They don't make one now? Looked on their site, seems you can get one. Or there is the bare one from allpro? Probably overkill, but way awesome. Friend of mine with a 93 toyota put one in, they are very nice!!

 

https://www.dynatrac.com/prorock-60-for-tacoma.html

 

From what I am gathering everyone makes stuff up to 1st gen Tacoma. You can find options from most places. But finding one for a 2nd gen is another story. Not sure why the aftermarket hasn't gone this far yet, but seems to be slowly getting there.

That said I am not an expert in Toyota diffs be any means. But from what I understand, the 3rd from a 2nd gen is different than the pickups and 1st gens. That's why there is not an offering yet. As for will a 1st gen one work in a 2nd gen, that I have no idea of... I mean you put anything in there but it all depends on what re your deal breakers. I want my ABS, speedo and e brake to work.... I know picky. So I need an option that allows for the factory 2nd gen flanges on the outside. Looks like Diamond wants to basically make a new housing that all of our parts can go into, which would be great. The extra strength of a beefy housing will be an improvement for sure.

$4K without a 3rd.... looks nice but I am not that rich haha. Not rock crawling either, so it seems a bit over the top.

 

Looks like Diamond clocked in at approx $1250 for a housing that swaps right in, which isn't that bad.

Now the modder side of me wants to know what extras cost and other build options haha. They are trying to up sell me on a 9.5" 3rd member all built out.

Can anyone comment, is the stock 2nd gen 3rd member a standard 8" like 1st gens or is it different? Does anyone know the differences between 1st and 2nd gen? My guess is just the ends of the tubes where the brakes and axles bolt in. Would be cool to look at a few other options... Trying to see where about $2000 will get me in this build.

 

Trd OR has a 8.0" i think and sports have a 8.4"

 

So I guess that any of the 8" Toyota housings will work, it just depends on the axle ends and that is also how we keep all the Tacoma features working. Hmmmm choices.

 

I bent mine also (toe in). I guess its thanks to me about diamond axle making a housing for a second gen, since I ordered one last week from them haha.

 

So whats the difference between the Currie and the Dynatrac? I don't know shit about axles. Is that all just brand? seems like there isn't much else to justify an extra $2000 for a Dynatrac.

 

Also how was the axle verified to be bent? Just put a straight edge across it?

 

@ETXTacoma you might have something to add here

 

Alignment shop did their digital thing.

 

Check your axle shafts also. I bent my axles shafts and the housing

 

Is there a stronger aftermarket alternative?