What rear axles will fit my '02 4x4?

After nearly 200,000 miles it would appear my rear axle bearings and seals are shot. Checked the diff vent and sure enough, plugged/seized solid too.

My question: What other years or Toyota model axles will bolt right up? I priced out bearings, seals, new backing plates (rotten, thank you NY winters) and new rear shoes and drums. Plus, I'm pretty certain I cant do the bearing and seal swap on my own.

Thinking I'll hit the local bone yards and look for a decent rear axle assembly and swap it over instead (replacing brakes/drums and diff vent of course). Looks to be easier and certainly cheaper though only a short run fix I know.

Figured if I had a few different years and models that I knew I could pick from, my odds would be better at finding a match.

Hoping you guys can help as this looks like a $1,000+ repair that I can't swing right now. Can find rear axle assemblies for less than $100.

 

I got a 2,000 Tacoma axle, with an E-Locker, from a junkyard and it bolted right up to my 95 Tacoma. I think all first gen, 1995.5-2004, axles are interchangeable. Just make sure the gear ratio is the same.

Edit: I got mine for $900 with a 6 month warranty.

 

Thanks. Brings up a good point. Where is the hear ratio listed? I know mine has rear wheel ABS and limited slip but that's about it. No clue on E-locker or anything like that.

 

It's on the driver door jam. Next to the color code.

 

Oh man. Oops. Guess that's easy!

Will 4Runner axles fit or should I just look only at first generation 4x4 Tacomas?

I'm guessing they are few and far between in the junkyards. Or they're in sadder shape than mine.

 

I think 3rd gen runner axles will. There are some crossover parts. Don't quote me on that.

Seen quite a few axles here in the fs section. They do PoP up but if not near you, wouldn't be worth the shipping.

Local wrecks on CL, FB marketplace and such.

 

It’s located on your door jam sticker.

No, you’ll need a first gen Tacoma. This is where it’s located.

 

Ok, guess I was wrong.

 

Thanks guys. I'll have to just head out and get exploring hoping to find one.

Seems like the rear bearing and seal replacement along with the backing plates is a heck of a chore. Nothing I feel I could tackle in the driveway.

 

Replacing an axle is not a walk in the park, unless your third member is shot. Replacing the bearings and seals is easier and cheaper.

 

I meant just the whole rear end. Unbolt the drive shaft, unbolt the leaf springs and lines and just toss the whole rear end for another.

 

Not that big of deal. I put 4340 chromo axles in mine and had to remove the backing plate and replace inner and outer seals. Easy, peasy.

 

Yeah, I should've clarified. I was going to head out and look for the entire assembly. Drop the old and replace. Not open it up and replace the actual axles within.

 

Well if you do, buy new U-bolts, and don’t use the old ones.

 

4runners use coil springs in the rear and not leaf springs like our Tacomas do, not saying you can't make it work but with how many Tacomas there are out in the world I'm sure it would be easier to find one from another Tacoma than to fabricate one from a 4runner to work

 

take a look at www.car-part.com it will make finding what you need much easier.