Rear diff

Hey guys, I’m very new to this, I have a 97 Tacoma 2.7 l. 4x4. My stick gearing is 3:58. I have a lot of play in my rear diff and I’m pretty sure it’s no good. Lots of chatter and some serious vibrations. My question is, what thirds can I use that are compatible? I’d like to go with higher gearing. Even 4:10 would be great. Any help would be great. Thanks.

 

Welcome to TW!
Something to consider with the 4x4 is if you change the gear ratio on the rear you have to change the front to match.

 

Just remember if you change the gearing in the rear diff, you'll need to change it in the front diff as well otherwise when you engage 4wd it won't be pretty

 

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but any other 1st gen rear end should be compatible as long as it doesn't have an e-locker. The e-locker 3rds are a slightly different size. But if the gearing is different you'll have to swap the front too

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

Welcome to TW


Pretty good information here on the Diffs.
http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/diffs/

 

Will change front and rear for sure. So basically I can do the swap with a set of diffs aslong as they match. Mine doesn’t have the diff lock. Could I use the thirds from a 3.4? And if so , would 96 to 03 work?

 

And also mine is a 5 speed, front axle has lock hubs. Is there a difference between diffs standard or automatic? Sorry for all the questions. I’m just in love with the truck and just want it to perform well

 

Why do you think it's the rear end? What kind of noise are you hearing? Have you checked U joints and drivetrain related parts or are you assuming it's the rear end? Did you remove the fill plug and check for gear oil and did you drain the axle and inspect the fluid for metal bits?

How many miles are on the truck? Have you checked for play in the axle shaft bearings or looked to see if the seals are leaking?

Nothing worse then going thru the effort and cost to replace diffs only to find the noise and vibration is still there. Don't assume because you didn't see any play in the U joints it has to be something else, sometimes you have to remove the driveshaft and check them to see they are free and have no slop while looking for rust seeping from each cross end.

 

I’m just assuming because of how loose rear diff has. Tons of play when in neautral and rotate drive shaft with my hand. I just had a wheel alignment done. I havnt checked the diff fluid though. And the shake i can feel in the steering wheel. Also if I roll back in the truck and press hard on brakes, there is a big clunk that sounds like it’s coming from the rear

 

You need to do more checking before you pull the rear diff. There is always some play in a differential, where are you checking the play at?

 

4:10 gears are LOWER gears than 3.58.

If you truly need to replace the gears in the rear diff you will also need to change the ones in the front as well so they are the same ratio. There are some options for aftermarket gear swaps but it will cost you roughly $1000 per axle. The cheapest option would be to find a complete rear axle in a scrap yard that is 3.58 and simply do the swap in your driveway. It wouldn't be terribly hard with some jack stands, some basic tools, and someone to provide a little help.

But I'd make sure of the real problem before proceeding.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TW!