Rear Differential Gears

Forgive me if this issue has been hashed over and over, but I've tried the search engine and I get 2000 threads with Bicycles and Superchargers.

I've got a 2012 Taco 4WD Double Cab Base, not sure what package it has the stickers were all peeled off before I bought it. The driver door Vin Info says the diff is an A04C which I believe makes it a 3.73:1 ratio.

The rear diff is beginning to growl. When driving it sounds a little like brakes are wearing out. took the wheels and drums off and used my stethoscope to listen. It seems to be coming from the pinion bearing area. Removing/rebuilding is an option. I will probably buy a rebuilt 3rd member and install it.

Does anyone know a company in the extended Austin, TX (Houston, Dallas, San Antonino) area that sells rebuilt/exchange 3rd members.

Thanks
Rod

 

^According to Toyota's 2012 press kit, your config (double cab 4x4) was available only with the V6 and therefore only with 3.73 axle ratio.

For diff rebuild shop recommendations, better to ask in your regional subforums:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ke-it-a-toyota-and-were-good.411172/page-3539
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/dfw-bs-thread-new-meet-check-post-1.442133/page-2610
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/san-antonio.139967/page-7267#post-30666500

 

I recommend ECGS - call them and they’ll help you verify. They mail you a rebuilt one - you swap and mail it back.

 

The ECGS Website seems to only list e-lockers. Does anyone know if they carry non-e-lockers. The page says 6 weeks if you send them your unit, so if they don't stock 'em its a non-starter.

Thanks
Rod

 

Non elocker

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-788575-tacoma-8-4-non-eld-t100-tundra-3rd.html

 

Where are you located? The twisted axle in SA does great work.

 

I have a front and rear differential from ECGS.
Highly recommend!
Just give them a call.

 

Thanks Guys.

I've contacted ECGS, need to verify if they have a diff with 8.0 ring gear. The link sent to me was for an 8.4.

R

 

My Axle code is: A04C
According to "Identifying the different generations of Toyota Tacoma's and their different axles" from the Revolution Gear and Axle site:
Second-generation Tacoma (2005-15)

The "A" indicates it is an 8 inch for my truck. The "C" indicates a limited slip. The paragraph after the quote states open diffs have a 8.4" ring gear. I don't have an e-locker

I believe I have the ABS controlled limited slip not a real limited slip. So how do I determine what ring gear I have, without taking it apart?

Is there someplace that has definite answers?

thanks

Rod

 

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-788575-tacoma-8-4-non-eld-t100-tundra-3rd.html

All non-elocker thirds are the same for 2nd gens

 

What’s interesting is that on my prerunner that has auto lsd is shows an A for open diff. That being said you have a non elocker which is the 8.4 but sometimes referred to has an 8”.

 

Thank you folks. You can understand I don't want to have a new 3rd member show up and be the incorrect unit.

Rod

 

As mentioned above, all non e-locker rear 3rd members for 2nd gen tacomas are considered "8.4", which is a confusing misnomer. They still have an 8" ring gear, but this is the way they chose to differentiate between the two. Even the first gen "Hilux" pickups (OG Toyota trucks) have an 8" ring gear. The differentials are not interchangeable though.

 

Thanks for the clarification. It helps to know what I'm dealing with.