Are these 3rd Gen plug and play items??

Hey fellas,

A buddy of mine has a 3rd gen exhaust (after the cat converters) that's sitting in his garage, and I'm wondering if it will fit my 2005?

Also, I purchased a front differential that was taken off of a 2016 that was undergoing a special project. Basically includes the entire assembly from driver's side cv axle to passenger's side cv axle. Will this entire assembly be a direct bolt-on for my 2005?

I have about 117k miles and I'm wondering if I should just keep it as a replacement just in case, however, I might be keeping it for a while being that these trucks are good past 200k!

Thanks for the help!

Gil

 

I dont believe either will fit.

 

not sure about exhaust. But front clamshell diff assembly should be the same. Only thing changed on the front suspension is a different rear LCA bolt.

 

As far as looks go, they look exactly the same. Would it be worth it to just go ahead and exchange them now at 117k or just wait and keep as a replacement? I mean ... if it ain't broke, then don't fix it right?

Maybe even sell to someone that wants to do a conversion.

 

Keep the whole front diff assembly as a spare if hes giving it to you for free. The actuators are known to go. Also note that 3rd gen gear ratios are different from 2nd gens so you wouldnt be able to just swap it in without swapping gears. But all other parts should be the same.

 

That sucks. Never done that before. What exactly would I need to purchase to get it running right? You're talking about the gears in the rear differential or swapping the gears in the new front diff?

Thanks for the help.

 

Here is a post to show you what is involved . Not much plug and play . A lot of work . There are a bunch of links further down in the thread showing what is involved to replace the front diff
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/transmission-swap-write-up-s.384303/

Step by step removal of front differential ( write up ) Identify your differential http://www.off-road.com/trucks-4x4/tech/toyota-differential-identification-18588.html

Axle code identification https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2005-2016-tacoma-axle-codes.408019/
Front Differential Carrier Assembly (For 4WD): Components
Front Differential Carrier Assembly (For 4WD): Removal, Disassembly, Reassembly
Front Differential Carrier Assembly (For 4WD): Installation

 

I dont think they make gears of the same gear ratio for the rear diff as a 3rd gen's ratios. You would just swap out ring and pinion to match your current ratios. But there is no need to swap in the whole front diff if your current one is working right.

we aint talking about transmission just front diff.

 

fixed it

 

Thanks for the references! Wish the Front Differential removal still had the pictures though. Looks like I've got some reading to do!