Rear end swap

I have a 07 Tacoma that needs a new rear end. I found a 05 Tacoma that has one but it’s an electric elocker and mine is not an elocker. As long as it’s the same gear ratio would I be able to put the other rear end onto mine?

 

There are a lot of intelligent people that’ll give you more of an in-depth answer, but if the price is right, I would grab that rear end. If you can’t hook up the E locker now it is a great potential and then that’ll be something you could add later, possibly

 

Probably

They might both be 3.73
2.7L 4x4 = 4.10
I forget if there's another ratio. I heard gardener spec trucks have an even worse one; ie 4cyl rwd no fender flares
There's probably a way to look up and confirm this stuff
but I would guess that if the donor truck is an automatic TRD OR (or even manual) with 8" e-locker, it's probably 3.73

I imagine you can always leave the e-locker capped and un used, to figure out at a later date if you want to wire it to turn on/etc.

 

@TacoTuesday1 Yes mine is a 3.73 and I’m calling in the morning to double check the gear ratio for the donor truck. I just didn’t know how difficult it would be or if it was even possible to hook up the elocker.

 

junkyard will probably be clueless and make up whatever on the phone to try and sell it

I’d search the forum to see if anyone has made the e locker work.
I imagine it’s possible with a button and wires given e lockers in general theoretically are a magnet that gets powered with electricity

I think Eaton sells e lockers and is likely the supplier for OEM. Whatever kits they sell aftermarket probably come with install kit

people say “8.4” is stronger than 8” e locker
But 8.4” doesn’t have locker option stock.
And that e locker isn’t the best design because electricity to the magnet heats up the diff fluid. Then again, it may only be in use a short time.

just something to think about in terms of pricing and what you find.
If you find an 8.4” much cheaper sure it may not have e locker but you can always upgrade that later. Like if you mess with it down the road. Whether that be regear and/or putting in an aftermarket locker.

i used to want ECGS regear with ARB air locker but am considering Truetrac instead as it’s mechanical and automatic. No extra stuff required to worry about like on e lockers or air, such as wiring, air compressor, lines, manifold, etc and it’s a cheaper locker. I think truetrac is $600 while ARB is $1000

 

@TacoTuesday1 I got the VIN and am gonna call a dealer tomorrow morning to check to see what the gear ratio is. It’s from a guy on fb parting out his truck and he said he has no clue what it is lol

I have to replace the whole rear axle assembly and every where I’ve looked I’m looking at $1600 or more to replace it. I’ve checked junk yards around me and no one has one. The guy on fb is wanting $1000 for the whole assembly so I’m thinking that’s my best bet if it’ll fit.

 

do with this information what you will but,
when I looked into getting spare units to regear, I quickly and easily got a quote for $1200 max at the first place I went to, both front and rear
which is still too high

and at least a junkyard, is a business. With rent, in it to profit.
A guy on facebook, IDK why he has it; it's probably not the main focus of his life and at this point a detriment he'd rather have off his hands, heavy big ugly object taking up space, with no demand. That nobody wants, and no market for

if you find it worth your time, shopping around may yield a better deal
-craigslist, expand search area; same goes for:
-offerup
-FB marketplace
-various forums including here
-searchcraigslist and searchtempest, both search engines that search combined CL's countrywide; I prefer the former
-ebay used local

car-part.com is a search engine that works IF a junkyard lists that part, or even vehicle. Same goes for eBay
many times they don't.
What can be done about that:
1.search for a more common part their guy may more easily (or automatically list) that's hopefully not broken, to find vehicle and location
2.figure out where those junkyards are, potentially call or visit in person, area can be sketchy
3.U-pull yards also exist, and don't list their inventory

Not long ago I believe there was a rear end on here that was:
-cheaper than what you found
-better gearing, 4.88
-locker installed

If that FB guy told me $1,000 for a stock 3.73" rear end, I would just laugh
I'm not saying you should. At the end of the day it's your money, your situation, depending on what's available in your area. How bad you need it, how much time you have, how far you're willing to drive, etc.

because freight shipping big heavy items is not cheap or easy
but I'd bet you're the only person who's given that guy serious interest/the slightest chance of a sale in months, and the thing sitting in his yard is probably squishing grass and being an ugly lawn ornament

Also. All the yards usually know each other. Who is who, who deals in what makes and models. "Hey do you guys have Tacoma parts?"
"No, but we know who does, let's call and check if they have it right now"
Unless you find it, based on street signs, what vehicles are visible
but that can take a while of walking.
Every area is different. They're usually in clusters.