2nd Gen and 3rd Gen rear end compatibility?

Is it a bad idea to try and see if anyone would want to trade their 3rd gen drum to drum open diff rear axle for my 2nd gen drum to drum E-Locker rear axle?

First off is it even possible? Are the housing tubes the same diameter so that I can maintain my U bolt flip kit?

My thinking is this:

I need gears and according to my research the 3rd gen differential is larger than the 2nd gens and thus stronger, and the ARB locker is stronger than the e-locker and can be engaged at anytime without modification unlike the e-locker so trade my factory geared locker for the 3rd gen open diff axle then order an assembled ARB locker rear diff with 4.88 from ECGS.

Ultimately I would still have a rear locker (with more utility theoretically) and potentially get a free upgrade in strength while the 3rd gen buddy (possibly even a 2wd) gets a locker set up they can make work with a quick plug and play kit from Low Range or something.

Or is the size and strength difference between the 2nd and 3rd gens completely negligible and I should just get gears for my existing E-Locker 3rd?

Is there anything I am overlooking or should be considering?

Thanks for the input y'all!

 

@Jeff Lange would probably be the guy that know

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

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/8-8-vs-8-locking-rear-diff.388596/

 

The 3rd gen has 3 different diffs
8.75 elocker
8.75 open
8" TV6 open

The 8" TV6 is the same size as the 8" elocker and will give zero benefit to a 2nd gen owner.

The 8.75 open complete axle will fit under a 2nd gen and the 8" locking will fit under a 3rd gen. If I were the 3rd gen owner, I wouldn't want that trade. Plus the 8.75 open is a different gear ratio, I think 4.30 is because they have a manual trans.

 

Yes you could. A few caveats to your 3rd gen rears are larger than 2nd gens. That is only true IF you get an e-locker 3rd gen or an open diff out of a manual truck. All the other differentials are the same size as the open diff from the 2nd gen with no real changes for strength.

If you are worried about strength you could look at the 9.5 out of a 07+ tundra (would have to redrill for lug pattern) or the D60 from ECGS

 

What about an e-locker differential from a MT third gen?

 

Just did this swap. The 3rd Gen OR axle bolted right up to my 2014, no problem. 4.30 gears and a locker. I have a custom wiring harness for the locker on the way. More details soon.

 

Here is my write-up for putting a 3rd Gen OR axle under a 2nd Gen truck (or under a 3rd Gen non-OR. It's exactly the same; only the switch on the dash will be different).

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...on-a-2nd-gen-tacoma-or-non-or-3rd-gen.842862/