06 Tacoma 4x4 Rear Axle Housing

All,

We're getting conflicting information on the correct rear axle housing we need for our '06 Tacoma 4x4, with automatic transmission (3.73 with mechanical slip differential, per our mechanic). We received part number 42110-04142 from a local dealership, but advised none were available. As we search online, we're receiving conflicting information that it fits 2 wheel drives and not 4 wheel drives, and other sites advising it's correct. Any help in confirming the correct axle would be greatly appreciated!!

VIN# 5TELU42N06Z252986

 

A PreRunner is 2WD and it uses the same differential as a 4WD. (Unless the PreRunner has a locking differential)
That maybe where the confusion is coming from.

The part # you give above, is for trucks without an E-Locker.
Since your truck is a Mechanical LSD it should work.

To be sure, we could ask @Jeff Lange

 

It is correct.

 

That answers it.
Thanks

 

It is on a big backorder too.

 

That’s a bummer for OP.
He might have to go the used route.

I’ve heard the mechanical LSD parts are also becoming hard to get.
Let’s hope OPs gear set is in good shape?

 

swap the entire axle with used...

 

Definitely and option.

If going with an entire assembly/unit and being used. I would recommend new wheel bearing while the axles are out.
It’s a pretty big job once the differential is in. . Or, use the old bearings if they are good.

 

Thank you all for the responses, helps greatly! Do any of you have any good suggestions for the best sources / companies in the used market to get the whole assembly from, if it's looking like getting it new isn't going to happen?

 

Car-part.com will get u junkyards that participate in the on line inventory. Probably other junkyards that don't join the on line interweb.

 

@Dm93 has posted the name his shop uses. I forget the name. Maybe he’ll chime in and tell us.

 

I second car-part.com

 

I don't remember ever posting anything like that, we typically get axles from our local salvage yard (used and rebuilt).
I've found stuff on Hollander Parts as well.

 

All, thank you for the responses - it has helped tremendously! I'm not the mechanic (know enough to be dangerous), and doing the admin leg work for our local mechanic to locate a correct rear-end replacement. Here's my updated question - is there a way to confirm from our VIN sticker that our truck is indeed a mechanical LSD versus a non-locking? If not, is there an exterior portion of our current axle we can look at to confirm which we have? I've found quite a few possible axle assemblies through the car-part.com you suggested, but there's definitely variation between the non-locker and the mechanical LSD, with a non-locker option being right here in Indy, rather than driving up to Chicago. If it changes anything, our mechanic believes the internal components of our current rear-end are going to be fine, really only needing the housing, which was slightly bent by our 17yo son hitting a rock hard enough to break his rear driver's side wheel. Thank you again for the help you've provided thus far!

 

Yes. Here is the axle code decipher link
Your axle is a C code. Which says it’s an LSD.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2005-2016-tacoma-axle-codes.408019/

The mechanical LSD was only available in 2005-2008 trucks. After that they were all open differential.

 

Thank you Tnshooter!....with that info, would we be wrong to utilize a non locking rear-end, that is here locally in the pic below? But, if that would cause additional labor issues, or reduced safety logistics for our 17yo, then I'd make the drive to Chicago.. Thank you again!

 

The axle code in that VIN is the same “A04C” as your truck. That should fit just fine. The only difference is the one above is from a 2007 build date truck. That doesn’t make any difference. It’s just “newer”

 

Thank you!

 

and I suggest just swapping in the entire axle assy vs moving your internals over. much less labor that way. maybe just have your mechanic change the fluid and put new brakes on it... That is typically how the junk yards will sell them (complete vs just the housing) anyways. just make sure that the mileage is reasonable on the truck that it was pulled from and also understand why the truck is in the junk yard. Stay away from hard side and rear hits and roll overs... most junk yards will have pics of the truck it was pulled from before it was parted out

 

and you don't need the LSD, the truck will drive fine without it or even with a later e-locker installed (but not connected).... it is a nice to have that will cost more. Gear ratio must be correct though. V6 trucks are all 3.73... 4 cylinders were different so stay away from them