4runner gear into Tacoma?

I'm interested in changing the gear ratio to the rear axle of my 96 Tacoma 4x4 V6. I'm not sure if this discussion is already been posted and I haven't looked hard enough but so far no luck. Im doing a mild 2' lift on my truck so 31' inch tires are as big on tires I plan to go, my truck has 3.90 gears from factory. Im happy with its power and acceleration so don't wanna lose that, I've looked at many options and have got my mind set on 4.30 gears. This ring and pinion set is hard as hell to find! I know the 4runners come with it but am not sure if they'll swap over without issue on my Tacoma? Before I start my mission to find a used set and get it installed I need to be sure, any feedback would help.

 

Yes it will swap. Correct me if I'm wrong but limited model 4runners came with 4:30s

 

Awesome! The hunt is on. As far as

Awesome! The hunt is on. As far as limited models having that gear I'm not too sure? To be sure I would have to check the Vin plate to see which options came standard on that specific vehicle, it depends on engine and factory tire size.

 

Yeah check the vin for sure. Not sure what's involved if you swap an elocked diff over to a non elocker housing. We just swapped over an entire elocked axle with 4:30 and wired it in on our 98 4runner

 

I don't know if it makes a difference in gear size whether it comes from an e-locked or not but to play it safe I'm gonna focus on non e-. I'm pairing it with the kazuma TRD LSD.

 

4runners run the 8" ring gear front and rear. Non locker Tacoma's have 8.5" ring gear in the rear. The Tacoma e-locker is 8". If you have an e-locker you'll be fine. Other wise you'll need the locker axle housing. I have the 4runner 4.30's in my Tacoma with 265/75R16 acceleration is fine.

 

This is what I've been running all over the web, some say its simple drop in of the ring and pinion others say I need additional parts?? I don't want to replace my axle housing, I already have the LSD , just need to know for sure before buying the 4.30 used. I know Toyota sells this ring and pinion set under two part #s, 1 with e-locker 1 without. A little confused..

 

99-06 tundras have the same front (7.5" clamshell) and rear (8.4") diff with ratios up to 4.30

96-02 4runners have the 7.5 clamshell up front but the rear is the 8" v6 not the needed 8.4"

T100s have the 8.4" rear end but not the 7.5" front.

Its an uncommon ratio but 4 banger tacos could come with 4.56 gears.

This should give you a few options.



That being said your probably better off just leaving it. The 3.91s are be pretty good with just 31s.

 

I know, 31's are not a big leap in tire size but I would like to change the ring and pinion when I install the lsd. I wish someone who's done it or knows first hand would let me know.

 

Thanks for all the input. I did my homework the last couple days and most were correct, you CAN'T put 4.30's from 4tunner on my existing axle housing.. period. Since I'm only going as high as 31' tires I've settled on 4.11 ring and pinion which I've already purchased from US Gear. I'm positive it'll work great with the rest of my drivetrain. Thanks again.

 

What about the front? You cannot use 4x4 if your ratios are different....

 

3:90 to 4:10? Thats quite a bit of money for very little change.

 

I know. I'm not planning on off roading any time soon, but I'm fully aware of the front axle and will match it to the rear in the future.

 

I guess I saw this too late, I have a set of 4.30s for the Tacoma front and rear.

 

It didn't hurt my wallet too bad actually, only $200 shipped. Im keeping my truck for a very long time so I'm gonna make it to my taste. It will obviously require $$, as long as I'm not broke afterwards I can't complain.. Lol

 

Too late indeed! But thanks anyway.

 

Very true!

OP, youll hardly notice any change what so ever. Infact prolly wont notice a change. So you couldnt find a lower ratio ring and pinion or thats just what you wanted to go with?

 

To be honest I don't expect too much change at all, 31's wouldn't require to mess around with the gears. But since I'm installing a TRD LSD I decided to might as well pair it with a new gear set up since its gonna be within reach when my axle gets worked on. No regrets, I've done my homework so there won't be no surprises.