3rd gen front diff in 2nd gen taco

Hi guys! New here to tacoma world what an endless source of info

Basically trying to find a way to regear my truck to 4:30 haha

Since there is a lack of part availability/simplicity from popular gear sites for this ratio, I’m looking to source a clamshell from 3rd gen Tacoma with 4:30 stock ratio.

Does anyone know if this would be a plug and play swap?

thanks in advance Tacoma gods!

 

Yes, that will bolt right in.

Also, welcome

 

Thank you for the quick response! I thought my plan was made but turns out the part i had in mind doesn’t ship to Hawaii .

I’ve seen you respond to other threads regarding this topic and you def know what you’re talking about! So I’ll just be straight up and ask, what are my other options in achieving this gear ratio?

 

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-157223-tacoma-fj-4runner-8-reverse-ifs-clamshell.html

 

Find a different wrecker that will ship a clamshell from a manual transmission 3rd gen to Hawaii. Far and away your cheapest option.

Or go with the above advice, but it’ll cost you more.

 

Thanks you guys!

 

@Kmira I have Nitro 4.30's in my front diff, rear diff is a factory 4.30 Elocker from a 98 4runner

 

Damn you cracked the code man I know there are quite a few options out there on getting 4:30s but it does get a little confusing!

Do you know the carrier configuration I need to order 4:30 from nitro or Yukon? From my understanding I will need a carrier that fits the thick ring gear? Apparently the stock 3:73 carrier won’t work?

I want to do that same thing but not sure exactly what I need to order if I’m going that route. Any direction would be greatly appreciated!

 

I'm still using the stock carrier, but I just looked at Nitros website to try and find them for you and I don't see 4.30 listed as an option anymore.

 

Dang that sucks for me haha. I’ve been in contact with a guy at Yukon regarding a 4:30 kit they sell, but he stopped responding when it came to carrier configurations and mostly just wanted me to go with 4:56 haha.

Do you know what they mean by “thin” and “thick” ring gears? Is my stock 3:73 front diff a “thin” gear? This is a little confusing to me.

 

I believe the thin and thick only applies if you're adding a locker or replacing the carrier internals, as the locker manufacturers ask you to specify whether you have the thin or thick, which will depend on what ratio you end up going with. I think the separation is 3.91 and up, then 4.10 and lower

 

Hmm well they were asking me about it and I was only trying to order ring and pinions. That’s why I’m confused! Haha

Anyways how do you like the 4:30s? Would you recommend them or would you do any differently?

 

They've been great for me for the last 100k or so with a manual and 34-35" tires, I wouldn't do anything differently for my setup. If I had an auto I'd go 4.88 with how my truck is setup and the mountainous areas I drive in.

 

So trying to keep my options open, does anyone know if the 3rd gen 4cyl automatic front clamshell will bolt up as well? I had an auto dismantler tell me the diff assembly bodies are different regardless of same gear ratio(4:30) and may not bolt up the way the 3rd gen 6cyl MT will.

 

It will. All 3rd gens are 6lug and use the same frames. Dismantled guy is wrong here.

 

Ok cool thanks for clarifying. Crossing my fingers hoping to secure the bag. I’m in Hawaii and live on a different island from the dismantler. He said he’ll ship it to me for $700 but he needs a full payment through Venmo first… I mean I want it but not stupid haha

 

Yeah eff that. No legitimate business would ever ask for upfront payment thru Venmo

 

Here’s a rear axle that I’ll eventually need seems to come with an elocker and harness, seller doesn’t know what year is anyone able to decipher just off photos alone? Maybe even gear ratio? I know it’s a ling shot haha

 

1st Gen rear housing has the Ebrake cables in the rear. No clue on ratio without counting the spins on the yoke.