Differential identification troubles

Hi Everyone,

I now own a 1998 Tacoma V6 4wd XtraCab with an Open Differential. Great truck so far. However, I live in Western Oregon and during our last ice storm I began wish that I had some sort of locking rear differential. Because of the truck's age I don't want to get carried away cost wise. So far the most interesting prospect looks to be the PowerTrax No-Slip Locker. These devices are specific to a given differential. I know of two possible differentials for that year 7.5 inch / 27 spline and an 8 inch / 30 spline

While I would be VERY interested in hearing from any of you who have had experience with any aftermarket locker, my current problem is figuring out which differential is installed on my truck. The VIN sticker on the driver side door jamb is supposed to tell me which differential I have. But the place where this is normally specified only contains a question mark (?). I showed the vin sticker to the local Toyota dealer and they told me that the only way that they could identify my differential would be to take it apart.

So here is my question (finally!): Did they always use use the 8 inch / 30 spline unit with the V6 motor?

Thanks!
Donn

 

Yes as long as no other owners have changed out the rear diff before.. I believe All 1st gen 4WD Tacoma's rear diff's are 8", and the front diff's are 7.5"

 

Actually the 1st Gen Tacoma V6 4x4 came with either the usual 8.4" open differential, or the TRD 8" e-locker rearend.

Can you take a picture of your door jamb sticker and post it?

 

The factory e-locker rear is different than the non e-locker rear.

If you don't have the factory e-locker, you have the 8" rear
http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/diffs/

 

The Non-elocker diff is still considered an 8" rear diff, but it's called the 8.4" diff because of the larger diameter bolt pattern on the diff.

Here is an easy way to tell;

4cyl/V6/E-locker has a dome-shaped cover. Diff uses 8mm studs with 12mm nuts.
T100/Tundra/non-TRD Tacoma has deeper, blocky cover to accommodate the bearing truss. Diff uses 10mm studs with 14mm nuts.

 

There is an even easier way to tell the difference. Its the location of the grain plug.

The e-locker diff (referred to as an 8") has a drain plug on the drivers side/bottom of the diff. The non-locker diff (referred to as an 8.4") has the drain plug on the passenger side/bottom of the diff.

 

Boy talk about fast response! Thanks to all of you who replied to my question! It seems certain that my truck has the 8" non-locker (referred to as the 8.4"). The drain plug is indeed on the passenger side. And the web page link (http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/diffs/#T100-Tundra) also confirmed that. Again thanks very much.

Although it is pretty doubtful that I might know anything about Tacomas that any of you don't, maybe I will be able to return the favor one of these days. Donn