E-Locker Retrofit — 8.0” vs. 8.4” Axle Shafts

I’m retrofitting an e-locker on my 1998 non-TRD Tacoma, which means I have the standard 8.4” Non e-Locker rear differential.

I purchased a bare 8.0” e-Locker axle housing in anticipation for this swap. However, I was under the impression I could reuse my original 8.4” axle shafts. I was told I could not.

I understand ALL e-locker axles are equipped with ABS provisions, regardless of whether the truck was equipped with ABS or not.

I know I cannot use my stock 8.4” axles for this reason, because they are not equipped with ABS provisions.

Reading this thread appears to point that you can use any 8.4” ABS axle shafts regardless of whether the differential was e-locked or not. However I want to make sure this is true before going out and buying new axle shafts.

My question is can I use any 8.4” ABS equipped axle shafts, OR do I have to purchase axle shafts that specifically came from a differential equipped as an 8.0” e-locker with ABS?

Here is the axle housing I purchased. 2000 Tacoma TRD.

 

I believe that the axle shafts are physically the same length and use the same OD diameter bearing.
(this is speculation, I have never test fitted a 8.4" axle in a 8.0" housing)
Since the seal on the 8.0" axle is pressed further in, it needs a longer machined surface to ride on.
Here is a thread on TTORA that talks about the issues: It is possible but you will need to install the 8.4" axle seal at the outside edge of the 8.0" housing.
Elocker on Left, 8.4" on right

 

8.4” isn’t a 8.4” it’s really a 8” with a different design holder for keeping the gears in place and I think the gears are shaped a little different but are both 8” in diameter and are cut the same. So I would assume 8.4 abs shafts and 8” abs shafts are interchangeable.

Though idk if 4cyl pre runners got a 8.4 in your year, i think it was still a 8”

 

I think the difference in that pic is abs shafts vs non Bs shafts though I could be wrong. Its been a Awhile sense I looked into this

 

You are correct that one is ABS and one is non-ABS, but you have to remember that all elocker axles are setup to be ABS. This changes the position of the axle seal. In the elocker axle, the seal rides on the inner most edge of the machined surface(actually on one of the retainers). In the non-ABS axle, the seal rides on the outermost edge of the machined surface (actually on one of the retainers). The positioning of the seal is VERY important. If it doesn't seal correctly, it will leak axle oil into your brakes, destroying the shoes.

 

I understand the 8.4” axle shafts won’t work, I just want to know if there is any difference between e-Locker ABS axle shafts and non e-Locker ABS axle shafts.

I would like to run non e-locker ABS axle shafts because it’s all I could find.

 

Got it. There shouldn't be, but be careful if you are buying online. A lot of part suppliers don't understand the difference and might list the 8.4" shaft for the 8" axle without ABS. Do you have a link to the shafts you are looking at?

 

I’m physically going to a junkyard and purchasing the shafts.

This is a 1997 4Runner Limited RWD, however much to my chagrin only the 4WD Limiteds has the rear locker from 1996-2000. 2001+ for the center diff locker.

The only reason I didn’t purchase them was because it was NOT an e-locked axle, but it was ABS.

 

I believe they will work. I'm pretty sure all 96-02 4runners use the 8" rear. That's why they can retrofit an elocker 3rd into a non-elocker axle by doing some welding, grinding, and replacing studs. (this is what makes people think you can do this in a tacoma).

If you pull the axle shafts and they look like the left axle in the picture I posted (they'll have 2 retainers and the ABS ring on them), then it will work. Just keep in mind the picture I posted has all the stuff removed (brakes, retainers, backing plates, bearings, etc).

 

Great. I was told by someone the Non e-locker 8.0” axle shafts wouldn’t work, and I would have to specifically use e-locked 8.0” axle shafts.

 

I just did some more digging, that vehicle you posted should have this part number for the shafts: 42311-35280
Doing a cross reference search shows that it is only on 96-00 4Runners. I did an online search and that part number is discontinued and replaced with 42311-35400
ToyoDIY says that new number works on 4runners that use 42311-35220
ToyoDIY says that 42311-35220 works on Tacomas.

Haha, in that round about, I believe that says it will work. Still, seeing the actual axle in question will confirm.

 

Let me dig up the VIN and chassis code, should be able to tell you more.

 

@nzbrock

This is a very cool website that’s very close to TIS.

Here’s that 4Runner from the junkyard.



It looks like you’re right on with that part number.

 

I went on Copart and found a 2000 Tacoma v6 TRD VIN and put it into that website. The part numbers appear to be different, but that could be attributed to the axle shafts originating in Japanese with the 4Runner versus the Tacoma that was made in California.