3rd Gen 4Runner Diff in 2nd Gen Tacoma E-Locker

I have an '06 Tacoma with the rear e-locker that I am thinking about regearing to 4.30's. I found a deal on a e-locker diff from a 3rd gen 1999 4Runner with 4.30 gears. From looking at the ECGS website, Toyota seems to use the same diff for all the e-lockers for 1st and 2nd gen Tacomas, 3rd gen 4Runners, FJ's, T100's and 1st gen Tundras.
Has anyone actually swapped in a diff from a 3rd gen 4Runner into a 2nd gen Tacoma?
Any info is welcome. Thanks

 

The output flange is probably different... I think you can get an "adapter" u joint.... or what I did was replaced the flange with one from summit racing that worked well.

This was from a 1st gen taco to 2nd gen taco but I would guess the output flange on the 3rd gen runner is same on 1st gen taco

 

Thanks. Is replacing the output flange as simple as removing the bolt in the center of the flange, sliding it off and replacing it with a new one?

 

Yep... just make absolutely sure you get the torque right on that nut... what I did was mark it with a paint pen and count number of revolutions taking it off... if you over torque it it wreaks havoc.

 

Yep swaps right in, and like previously mentioned you'll need to swap the pinion flange, or cross drill to match your Tacoma driveline flange.

I'm trying to do this also.

 

Awesome! Thanks guys. The guy is going to sell me the diff for $200. It's off a 4Runner being parted out. That seemed like a pretty good deal. Then I'd guess I would need to get a front diff assembled by ECGS or something. Do either of you have a link for an output flange I can use on this diff?

 

I just looked in my cart at summit but the order was placed too long ago to see.... Thats definitely a good deal for the elocker assuming its in decent condition. Now that Im thinking about it I can't remember why I didn't just take the flange out of my second gen and put it on the replacement 3rd member. Maybe it was the number of splines? Might be something to try before you go and order parts, but I think there was a reason it couldn't be done.

Is there no way to source a front end with 4.30 gears? Thats a nice ratio, What tires are you running? I swapped all my stuff with 4.10s

 

$200 is a great deal. You can use the one off yours unless you're planning to sell it.

Can't confirm on direct swap, but the 2016+ came with 4.30's and share a very similar if not identical front clamshell. I'm working in getting my hands on one to see if there are any differences that would affect a direct swap.

 

If you don't mind tagging me or sending me a pm when you find out Id appreciate it... The 4.10s have been perfect for my driving with 33s but I plan on going to 34 this spring, not a huge leap but I wouldn't mind swapping out diffs for a little more power, I like the sounds of 4.30 with the 4.0l / Auto Trans.

 

Do you have a Manual or Auto Trans? I have an Auto and I'm only running 32's. It's fairly sluggish on the HWY especially at 5000ft altitude. Grimmjeeper said that 4.30's will put me about 200rpm over stock at ~2400rpm at 75mph.

 

Auto trans

 

LOL. I just re-read your post and saw you said that already.

 

This was the response I received from ECGS about the compability of Toyota rear diffs:

All elocker diffs are the same up until 2010 in the 4runner and FJ. Spline on the pinion did change from 27 to 29 in the '03-05 year range. Other than that identical.
Thanks
Curtis
ECGS Sales

 

Just doing a quick search on SummitRacing I came across this flange. Is this the one that you bought?
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/gta-90-2058m/overview/make/toyota

 

It looked just like that, but that says for a 8.4" which is the non e locker... it may work though not sure.

Not sure if you saw but bobsuruncle said you can just use the flange from your existing 3rd member and swap it over

 

I would seem to be incorrect with the info he got from ecgs if the spline count is different. I thought it was just the driveline flange bolt pattern was different.

 

It looks like that one I linked may work. It says on a couple other sites it is for a 27 spline pinion which is what the earlier model diffs should be. I’m supposed to pick up the diff tomorrow. He’s going to sell me the entire rear axle for $250. Housing, 3rd member, actuator, and all the other stuff as well (axles and whatnot). I’ll probably only need the 3rd. I’m going to do a bit more research before I buy that pinion flange But it seems like it may work.

I’m not sure what to do about a front clamshell other than having one built. Idk how many 3rd gen guys will be selling them. Maybe I’ll make a wtb thread in the 3rd gen section and see what happens. I usually try to steer clear if the whole 3rd gen circus, tho.

 

Again, I can't confirm with 100% accuracy that they do fit.
https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/352220809300

 

Damn that’s how much a brand new clamshell from ECGS costs.

 

Before gears?