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3rd Gen Rear Axle swap into 2nd Gen Taco

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Jethro13, Feb 26, 2020.

  1. Feb 26, 2020 at 10:11 AM
    #1
    Jethro13

    Jethro13 [OP] Member

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    Hello, I'm searching to see if anyone has swapped out a 3rd Gen rear axle (2wd or 4x4) into a 2nd gen taco successfully? Physically, looks pretty straightforward may have to check/adjust pinion and weld a couple small brackets for brake lines etc. (or not). So the real question is will the ABS parts swap over or not? I don't have a 3rd Gen axle to look at, so I can't tell. The 3rd Gen's have a 4:30 axle ratio option that I like vs the 4;10. So that's my question, please stay on topic with any answers and if you have done this successfully. Thanks in advance, Jethro.
     
  2. Feb 26, 2020 at 10:13 AM
    #2
    Jason TRD OR

    Jason TRD OR SIBI BUILT LLC

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    Only 3rd gen MT have the 4:30 FYI. Auto has 3.91

    They look the same to me I have worked on both.
     
  3. Feb 26, 2020 at 10:14 AM
    #3
    Zac of all trades

    Zac of all trades FWP Fabrication Vendor

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    Your gears have to match front and back otherwise you are going to have a lot if issues. If you are 2wd then no worries on that aspect.

    As far as the swap its self its pretty easy. I swapped out my SR5 axle with a TRD locked axle with no issues. both 2nd gen. But as long as the brake lines fit and the drive shaft fits you should be good.
     
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  4. Feb 26, 2020 at 10:19 AM
    #4
    BillsSR5

    BillsSR5 Looking out for #1

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  5. Feb 26, 2020 at 10:21 AM
    #5
    Jethro13

    Jethro13 [OP] Member

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    Thank you Zac for the reply. My truck is a 2006 Taco, 2 wheel drive, 5 speed manual, 4 hamsters under the hood. Lets not worry about axle ratios, driveshafts etc... The question is, will a 3rd gen rear axle assembly swap into a 2nd gen. since the electronics (ABS) are being used. This is mostly a street truck, and I need to find out if the ABS from my 2nd gen will fit into 3rd gen axle, or what kind of rabbit hole of wiring this turns into for wiring up 3rd gen sensors to my 2nd gen harness.

    I see you did a 2nd gen to 2nd gen, and I have seen those threads with great success. Congrats. My question is will 3rd gen ABS parts swap over to the 2nd gen Tacoma.
     
    Last edited: Feb 26, 2020
    Zac of all trades likes this.
  6. Feb 26, 2020 at 10:31 AM
    #6
    SR-71A

    SR-71A Define "Well-Known Member"

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    Cant speak to the ABS, but I do know the rear lockers are different between 2nd and 3rd gens. So keep an eye out for that if applicable (its probably not in this case). As far as your swap goes, are you set on doing 4.30's? Seems like that might not be worth the hassle if you already have factory 4.10's..
     
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  7. Feb 26, 2020 at 10:35 AM
    #7
    tcjacado

    tcjacado Well-Known Member

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  8. Feb 26, 2020 at 10:39 AM
    #8
    EubeenHadd

    EubeenHadd Bit of a derp

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    Re-gearing will likely serve you better, you will know that you're getting what you need without extra headaches. While you're in there would be a good time to look into torsen/LSD/locker upgrades if you're inclined.

    Edit: A 3rd member may also be a more manageable swap than a whole axle, as I believe the splines and bolt pattern are identical from 2nd gen to 3rd gen.
     
    Last edited: Feb 26, 2020
  9. Feb 26, 2020 at 11:02 AM
    #9
    Jethro13

    Jethro13 [OP] Member

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    Thank you all for the replies. OK we're drifting off the topic and question again. I have a base 5-lug Taco with a 7.5 rear that I'm ditching (therefore no ratio swaps etc. will help in this situation) I'm swapping in second gen Prerunner front knees, rack etc. so we're all good up front. Rear I need a high ratio 8 or 8.5" axle (w/o locker = no E-locker) to handle 31.5" tires (on 2020 4-runner 6-lug wheels). I can get 3rd gen low mile axles with 4:30's w/o locker about the same price as a second gen 4:10 with much higher miles. So please don't drift away on that subject of converting a base into a pre-runner, 3rd members, etc. lets not go there. My ONLY question is will a 3rd gen ABS swap into a 2nd gen truck, that's really about it. Everything else is way off topic.
    I would put an 8'8" Explorer axle with factory TruTrac, 31 spline axles, discs etc. since they're only $300, but it will not work with 2nd gen Tacoma ABS...... So again, lets please focus on the ABS and/or if anyone has swapped a 3rd gen into a second gen. Has, not maybe.
     
    Last edited: Feb 26, 2020
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  10. Feb 26, 2020 at 11:07 AM
    #10
    ovrlndkull

    ovrlndkull STUKASFK - HC4LIFE

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    3rd gen TRD OR and the MT trucks have a completely different rear end it's an 8.7 rear. You'd have to swap the whole assembly in.
    This changes the whole dynamic here sell your current truck and buy a prerunner or 4wd truck. There is so much different between the 6 lug and 5 lug trucks. You'll be doing a ton of fab work you can't just swap the knuckles
     
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  11. Feb 26, 2020 at 11:09 AM
    #11
    EubeenHadd

    EubeenHadd Bit of a derp

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    See, this is context that would have been nice in the OP, because it would rule all the other more sensible alternatives out.

    You're not asking if a 3rd gen axle is compatible with a comparable 2nd gen. You're doing a 5 lug to 6 lug conversion, which will be a ton of labor and work. It is not a simple swap. Some here have done it, go find their threads.
     
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  12. Feb 26, 2020 at 11:40 AM
    #12
    BillsSR5

    BillsSR5 Looking out for #1

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  13. Feb 26, 2020 at 11:40 AM
    #13
    Sterling_vH111

    Sterling_vH111 Go do something real instead.

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    All posts so far have been pretty on topic and related to the question. (except this one).

    Id look for another truck with 6 lugs as well. 5 lugs are completley different, unless you can do the fab work or can get it done CHEAP, not really worth the hassle.
     
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  14. Feb 26, 2020 at 12:01 PM
    #14
    Empty_Lord

    Empty_Lord Toyotaholic

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    The whole assembly might fit. I’m not 100% sure. I’d imagine it would. As for the third in a old housing? Doubtful. The new elocker is a 8.75” I think
     
  15. Feb 26, 2020 at 12:09 PM
    #15
    ovrlndkull

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    That is correct same with the MT trucks. You can use the 3rd member out of all the other 3rd gens in a non e-locker 2nd gen as far as what information I have been able to acquire.
     
  16. Feb 26, 2020 at 12:14 PM
    #16
    Empty_Lord

    Empty_Lord Toyotaholic

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    I haven’t had one apart yet. I do have a 8.4” diff sitting at work waiting for me to test fit. Because I’d really like to get a 8.75” elocker into my tundra.
     
  17. Feb 26, 2020 at 12:15 PM
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    Muddinfun

    Muddinfun Well-Known Member

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    YOWZA! Unless you are a MASTER fabricator, have a thorough understanding of suspension geometry, and have a LOT of ambition, this will never drive right. Oh yeah and are a great welder. It would be easier to do a front frame clip. Good luck.
     
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  18. Feb 26, 2020 at 12:16 PM
    #18
    tcjacado

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  19. Feb 26, 2020 at 12:28 PM
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    ovrlndkull

    ovrlndkull STUKASFK - HC4LIFE

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    Just swap the whole assembly. Also as far as I know locker anytime mode has not been cracked yet on the 3rd gen elocker because it is different and there is some computer stuff that hasn't been worked around yet. To me it would be easier to just get the one from a MT truck and either do an ARB or Harrup locker.
     
  20. Feb 26, 2020 at 12:30 PM
    #20
    EubeenHadd

    EubeenHadd Bit of a derp

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    Can confirm, it's not an easy switch, as it's a PWM setup that triggers a coil in the 3rd. Anyway, topic for a different thread. OP, have you seen the light yet?
     
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