Replacing the rear axle assembly and removing the differential lock?

Hello,

I have a 2002 Tacoma with 4.10 gear ratio, no ABS, and no differential lock. I'm looking to replace my rear axle and have found one that matches everything, but it has a differential lock on it.

Anyone know if I could simply remove that actuator and swap the axle?

Thank you!

John

 

Are u trying swap in the axle and the locker? . The housings are different. Why not just use the whole diff and swap yours out.

 

Looking to swap the whole rear axle assembly. I was wondering if I could just remove the locker.

 

Just looked at the picture again, i see what you are saying, the housing is different.

 

I found another one that matches everything but the gear set. Mine is 4.10 and that one is 3.91. I guess I could pull the gear set from mine and replace the one in the 3.91?

The reason behind all this is my pinion seal has started leaking pretty bad. My axle has a lot of rust on it, so I thought this was an opportunity to replace the whole assembly with one that doesn't have any rust.

 

I would use the locker diff, it would be an upgrade. You can wire the locker to work. Your talking about a stock e locker right.

 

If your pinion seal is leaking you don't want to swap your gearset into it. You can swap the e-locker axle in, and just leave the e-locker alone, but you need the entire housing and third member/differential.

Depending on the cost of the parts it may not be unreasonably expensive to have ECGS build you a new diff. Its $795 (plus core and return shipping, about $60)

 

Swap the whole thing if u have rust issues, and e locker is an upgrade. Probably will never use it but good to have.

 

I found a replacement at a closer pull a part that matches mine exactly. Here is a pick of one of the axle ends and it looks like some grease has seeped out. I'm guessing there is a seal or gasket that needs replaced. Any suggestions are appreciated. I've been wrenching for many decades, but have never messed with axle related issues.

John

 

Axle seal needs to be replaced, nows a good time to rebuild the brake shoes and replace breather valve