Rear axle housing

Hello everyone, I'm the proud owner of an 03 Tacoma 4x4. Unfortunately for the truck, I live in New England.
I've been looking for a replacement rear axle assembly or at least a rear axle housing for my 4x4 with ABS and an E-locker. It seems too difficult to find a clean assembly/housing with that exact configuration, but I see plenty of 4x2 prerunner's with that config. I've been told that 4x4 and 4x2 have different mount points for the E-brake wiring. Can anyone tell me if there's a difference at all?

 

I wasn't aware of ANY difference between the prerunner and 4x4's.

There is a difference in the e-brake mounting, but I believe that's more specific to the year as opposed to 4x2 vs. 4x4... I think as long as you're looking for a 2001-2004, it should be fine.

All you need to do is match the gearing.

Something else to consider to be able to cast a wider net is to look for a non-locker axle assembly. That's only if you're not emotionally tied to having an e-locker, though. The outsides of the housings are identical and will bolt up to your suspension just fine. If you are still wanting a locker, there's always ARB to consider (better overal locker), but of course that's just spending more money, too, lol...

That said, even if all you can find is an axle housing with the different E-brake, I don't see it being a deal breaker to fabricate something for it to work with what you have.

 

E brake wire either runs above the housing or across, and this is dependent on 2002 and up vs 2001 and below.

Everything else is the same when it comes to 4x4 and Prerunners.

The difference also being a non locker 8.4" or an 8" with factory locker.

Correct me if I'm wrong for those watching.

 

There is no "non abs" axle. Trucks without abs have the same axle, even have the tone rings inside. There is a plastic plug on top of the housing where the sensor goes.

 

I'm pretty sure all the cabling that's not attached to the axle is the same. And if you're after a complete axle housing, it'll probably come with the brake drums anyway.

Should bolt right up no matter what, shouldn't it?

 

Talkin' 'bout the E-brake, not the ABS...

 

He asked about abs axles

 

I saw these on craigslist in Maine. Maybe this helps?

https://maine.craigslist.org/pts/d/sanbornville-quality-toyota-rearend/7020721026.html

 

He HAS an ABS axle, but that wasn't his question.

"I've been told that 4x4 and 4x2 have different mount points for the E-brake wiring."

 

Yep.

Funny thing is, I remember @eon_blue and I noticed the difference by accident when we were talking about the bracket used for the brake proportioning valve unit.

The cabling is just different between later models and early models but that's it.

 

Was responding to this...

Alternately, you can still buy new backing plates from Toyota, and Barnes makes a beefy diff cover to replace the rusty one.

HERE was my adventure in refreshing a northeast axle..

 

I wonder how far away the OP will need to shop to find a good one??

I guess if you can do the fabrication fixing is another option.

Blame the EPA for forcing mileage standards weight reduced any place [t could be .

 

Yes there is. Non elocker axles come with no provisions for ABS fittings. All elocker axles come with ABS fittings. There may be some outliers, due to Toyota being confused, but that's the general rule.

 

Thank you all for the quick responses. You’ve helped me out greatly! That’s why I love this site.