8.8" vs 8" locking rear diff

Alright guys.

Lots of hate on the new 2016 Tacoma, but starting to see some people coming around...Still, a lot of varying opinions; whether it be the new motor, aesthetics, or tech features. Let's see everyone's thoughts on what should definitely be an improvement vs. the previous models. This being the new...larger 8.8" rear diff. Overall, the drive train seems to be a for sure upgrade.

I feel that the 8.8 will he more durable/reliable...especially for those that leave the pavement often and put larger tires on their rides. I've heard of people blowing the earlier 2nd Gen rear diffs. Any insight or issues on the "newer" 8" diffs?

This thread is intended to compare and contrast the new 8.8" diff to the current 8.0" locking diff.

 

LED's, shark fin antenna, dampened tailgate, nvh reduction, tech galore, moonroof.

 

Sorry to burst your bubble, but this is guaranteed to be another hate-fest in this thread. I hope I'm wrong but I doubt I'm wrong on this.

 

I thought this was about the rear diff?

 

That's the intent....at least to compare and get members opinions/insight between the two.

 

Edit: Got the final gear ratios mixed up with overall axle sizes.

 

Do all trims get the same diff now? It said something about it in the technical paper but it wasn't clear to me what was going where.

 

Its not "new" i believe the 4runner has been running it for awhile so its tried and tested. Should be a great upgrade.

 

The 4Runner uses 8.2" (208mm) rear differential. The Tacoma 8.8" (225mm) isn't used in much else. Nothing I am aware of in North America, but I am looking into that.

Jeff

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/which-models-have-which-size-differential.388610/

Jeff

 

Hmm, interesting. Maybe the R&P is the same size as the 8.0? I wonder if that's the case, being what you mentioned.

 

@Jeff Lange What did the 2nd Gen TRD OR MT rear end 8.0 lack vs the new TRD Sport MT 8.8? Still debating on a 15' AC TRD OR MT vs 16' TRD Sport AC MT... Even though a 15' TRD OR would be more capable off road or am I wrong?

 

Well the newer differential would definitely be stronger, but you'd lose differential lock.

So you get to pick: stronger or lockable.

Jeff

 

So all manual 4-banger without locker and manual V6 with/without locker get the 8.8", while the auto V6 gets 8.8" with locker, and the auto 4-banger/V6 gets 8.0" without locker.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/which-models-have-which-size-differential.388610/

 

It doesn't matter what size the ring gear in the truck, it must be set up properly. Several second gens with the elock differential were found to have blown up stock gearsets.

 

Not sure on the 8.8, but it might be the same diff used in the first Gen Tundra's. If so, no mechanical locker unless they come up with a new one. Most likely it will be "electronics / computer" stuff though the Tundra diff did have a real mechanical LSD. The current Sports don't have an 8.8, it is an 8.4" with the TRD OR getting the old 8" as they had the locker set up for that.

 

There seems to be a lot of confusion, but regardless, the "8.4" is not actually an 8.4, but rather an 8.0, just like the 2016. It's the same size differential.

Jeff

 

ok now I am confused .

 

Someone once measured the newer differential ring gear on the outside of the ring gear at 8.4" and started calling it that, even though the "8.4" and "8.0" have the same size (8.0") ring gear (just 12-bolts vs. 10-bolts). The main differences are the number of bolts and the reinforcement on the bearing retainers.

They're literally the same size differential, there is no 8.4" differential. Ring gears are not measured on the OD.

Jeff