toyota rear axle compatabilities

i have an 02 non trd tacoma. could i take any 1st gen rear axle that has a locker and swap it out with mine so id could have a locker.

 

yes
but if the gears in the front dont mach the rear you will need to change them so they match
also you need to get the wiring harnest that connect the rear locker accuator to the locker swich
and a swich also

 

where can i get the harnesses...and how can i see if the gears match

 

for the harnest id check all the local junkyards
or ebay

and as for the gears go by this:
For "open" diffs:
Block the tires at one end of the vehicle to keep it from rolling, and then jack up a tire on the other end.
Place the transmission in neutral and release the parking brake if you are checking the rear diff.
Spin the tire exactly TWO full revolutions while at the same time counting exactly how many revolutions the driveshaft spins (marking the driveshaft and tires beforehand will make it easier to count revolutions).
The number of revolutions the driveshaft spins is your gear ratio.
If it spins just over 4 times, then the ratio is probably 4.10; 4-1/3 = 4.30; 4-1/2 = 4.56; just under 5 = 4.88; 5-1/3 = 5.29, etc.

For limited slip (LSD or "posi"), locking differentials, spools, etc.:
With these types of diffs, you won't be able to turn one tire w/o the tire on the opposite side of the axle turning with it.
In this case, follow the directions above except raise both tires off the ground and turn them exactly ONE full revolution while counting driveshaft revolutions.
Again, the number of driveshaft revolutions is your gear ratio as mentioned above.

 

what is the difference between a locking differential and a limited slip or are they the same. what are the benefits to having either??????????????

 

Both tires are locked together with a locker and with a LSD the diff uses a clutch pack to transfer power to the wheel(sometimes wheels) that need it. The negative to a LSD is that the clutches wear out quickly, very quickly if used in wheeling situations. Lockers are the way to go as long as they are selectable, not good on the street if they are not selectable.