Rear End ratio

We have an 05 Tacoma that needs a new rear end I need the ratio in order to find one, does anyone know a site to look this up. I have seen that you can use the code from the door but I want to make sure I am looking it up correctly for my year make and model, any help is appreciated.

 

It’s 4WD V6

 

And is it a TRD off road, or TRD sport, or everything else?

 

TRD Sport

 

OK, now we’re getting somewhere. Your truck has a 3.73 ratio Limited Slip Differential. That axle assembly only came in the 2005-2008 Tacoma TRD Sports. Supposedly the LSD was offered as an option on lower model trucks, but I’m pretty sure it’s a rare option on the lower model Tacomas. A complete 3.73 open diff rear axle from another Tacoma will work, but it won’t wheel as well in the mud as a 05-08 TRD Sport LSD rear axle.

What’s wrong with yours? Is there any hope of fixing it?

 

It whines and shakes, Toyota dealer and two other mechanics have also said it needs a new rear end.

 

There's about 5 different ways to fix your truck. The easiest way for the mechanic is to buy a complete used 05-08 TRD sport rear axle from the wrecking yard. Unfortunately that's the least long term reliable way to fix it. It’s completely unknown how long a used axle assembly will last. The 2nd easiest way for the mechanic is to buy a rebuilt 3rd member from ECGS, have the mechanic clean the living daylights out of the housing and swap the 3rd member. This will be the most reliable fix. The most labor intense method for the mechanic would be for him to rebuild your rear axle. With this method, you are putting a lot of trust in his ability to properly set up rear axle gears.

The other questionable part is what’s causing the “shakes”? Could be bad tire, out of balance tire, bent axle shaft, or bad U joint.

 

My dad's 05 rear has a little whine tonit. I've read it's kinda common. Whats the shake part like?

 

Also do the rear wheel bearings when axles out as they are pressed on and mine failed at 105k with the rear end also trashed as I tow a lot. Had a local driveline shop do rearend rebuilt with rear and front wheel bearings and all 3 cases fluid change for $1700 range. When the rearend starts to whine it is something starting to go and as it gets louder its time to fix it. 2005 man you were really lucky to get that long.

 

Found this thread in a search, so why start another...

My '06 v6 4wd has the lsd diff. And it's just an SR5.
From what I'm reading, this diff has 3.73 as well.

I've got a question about the whining sound. I have a sound, not as high pitched as what I'd consider a whine. However, it drones through the whole cabin pretty loud around 50-60. I start hearing it about 20 mph. It also calms down a bit in right hand turns.
Would I be correct in thinking it's the right rear wheel bearing?

 

Park it pointed away from the garage door, jack it up, put jack stands under the rear axle, have someone start it up and put it in drive while you listen to the rear axle with a stethoscope.

 

I've actually done that. Sadly I didn't hear anything strange at both wheels and the pinion.

And sadly, this garage doesn't have doors.

 

Sounds like a wheel bearing to me but can you wiggle the wheel at all when you pick up the rear axle?

 

It's crazy... Last time I had the drums off, I checked and there wasn't any play that I could feel.

I did replace a leaking seal on that side twice, but it's been years since I've done that.
I'm thinking of buying a rear end from a junk yard and having those axles rebuilt to just do a straight swap with the least amount of down time. Take the diff and send it to ecgs to rebuild. Maybe a tru Trac if the funds allow.