Axle Houseing Swap Help!

Down to the point. I need a new rear end. I found a 2013 (non-E-locker) axle assembly that I want to swap with my 2011 (E-locker) axle assembly. Can I just take all the guts out of the 13 and swap them with what is in my 11? Correct me if I'm wrong but I am positive this 13 has 3.73 gears too. So I am guessing that the 13 is a sport model?

Background is I grenaded my rear diff. I found an axle in New Mexico at a pretty good price. I can't get the VIN/axle code to the truck because it is located here in CO. Just want all the facts straight before I make that trip to buy it.

Any help is appreciated. I plan on buying it this weekend if the stars align.

 

Hey man actually doing the opposite of you, i got a 2008 with the stock 8.4" diff (8") rings and just bought a elocker rear diff out of a 2010. Looking to change over my gears onto the locker and then into my 8.4" housing and throw it in because i just bought the so called guts of the 8" elock diff.

 

So do know if the 8.4 will work as a replacement? While doing my research I just realized that the non e-locker diffs are 8.4. But I read somewhere that they are pretty much the same? This sucks because I really just need a few straight answers and I can't find them.

 

In the same boat man, won't be tackling mine till the weekend so wont be able to give you answers till then....

 

axle housings are different between the 8in elocker and 8.4in.... 3rd members do not drop in / not swappable between housings.

 

Got it. Let me know what happens

 

I've heard of guys who've done it but very difficult, is there maybe a way you can install the locker on the 8.4" diff?

 

Not to throw cold water on your ambitions but Nd4 is right, only the whole axle assemblies can be swapped, not the internals.

 

ahh shit, has it been attempted

 

Thanks. Can the gears be pulled out and dropped in my housing or is the inside of the 3rd member different too? Forgive me, but I am not very familiar with reciprocity in parts for the rear.

 

you answered my question when I posted it to him. Thanks.

 

If you’re talking about swapping the whole assembly, then yes, I have done that on 2 trucks.
Swapping internals, I can’t tell you. Hope not, that would run into huge problems real quick

 

No, gears don’t fit either

 

No, doesn’t work like that on the 2005+ Taco axle with open diff

 

It can be done. Just not common among people here. I deleted my post since after looking closer it was for a 4runner, but I know I’ve seen a link somewhere on here about doing it. Regardless it’s not super easy.

 

So can I still use the 13 axle assembly and just not have the elocker on it for now? At least to get me on the road? I'm getting this 13 axle at a very good price and won't pass it up if I don't have to. That would give me time to get the original back in working order.

 

You’re confusing it still. Sure, with enough money and resources anything is possible. I’d like to see you do it and let us know how it goes.

You would be the first and in the end kick yourself you didn’t do a Ford 9inch instead.

 

Yes, that would work. I’ve done the same exact thing on my truck and then put in a Harrop elocker wired to my factory switch when I re-geared it.

Save your old axle shafts because those ARE interchangeable.

 

No thanks. Im happy with my mechanical locker I’ve got.

 

No