Anyone have Tundra/Tacoma Front Differential knowledge?

[Mike Donofrio]

Okay gang, many of you may know that for the past several months I've been doing a Front Locker test fit that has proved largely fruitless. If we are ever going to get a front locker application for our trucks, I am going to need some help from you all.

I first tried the Lock Right 1611 which is made for Tacoma front diffs (27 spline, 7.5" ring gear) and the application guide on Powertrax's website lists it for:

86-00 4Runner
86-95 Pickup
93-98 T-100
95-99 Tacoma

http://www.powertrax.com/toyotalr.pdf

The Detroit/Tractech people list a similar application restriction:

http://www.tractech.com/docs/TT-List-LTPM1004.pdf

Here's where it gets confusing. When installing the 1611 in the front Diff of the Tundra, we are left with 1/2 gap where the half-shaft meets the front diff. The feeling is that the different axle shafts for the Tundra (and for the 00 Tacoma for some reason?!?!) are different, event though they have the 27 spline, 7.5 ring gear!

The locker installs just fine and you can take it out and beat the death out of it, but you have a gap and eventually water and mud will get in, so this is really a short term solution to the weak front diff.

Here are some questions for the Tacoma/Tundra owning public, perhaps you can help:

-What is the difference in the front diff between an 00 and a 99 Tacoma that makes the 1611 not a direct fit for the Tundra?
-What is so different about the front axles between the Tundra 27 spline shaft versus the Tacoma 27 spline shaft? (apart from the obvious length) that makes it not install fully into the diff?

http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/diffs/

AFAIK there are three Tundrasolutions members that have done this install and all have reported the same problems. Somewhere out there, someone knows the answer, if you drive a Tundra and you 'wheel it--you will likely come to appreciate the work being done so we can get a front locker. Anyone having insights here would be much appreciated.

[tacodriver2]

Hi Mike,

Don't know if I can help you...is the gap the same on both half shafts or only on one side. I thought that the tundra and Tacoma diffs were identical. I have a spare front diff from my 01 taco that I was planning on regearing and installing on my tundra when I get it. Hope someone else chimes in.

Originally Posted by Mike Donofrio

Okay gang, many of you may know that for the past several months I've been doing a Front Locker test fit that has proved largely fruitless. If we are ever going to get a front locker application for our trucks, I am going to need some help from you all.

I first tried the Lock Right 1611 which is made for Tacoma front diffs (27 spline, 7.5" ring gear) and the application guide on Powertrax's website lists it for:

86-00 4Runner
86-95 Pickup
93-98 T-100
95-99 Tacoma

http://www.powertrax.com/toyotalr.pdf

The Detroit/Tractech people list a similar application restriction:

http://www.tractech.com/docs/TT-List-LTPM1004.pdf

Here's where it gets confusing. When installing the 1611 in the front Diff of the Tundra, we are left with 1/2 gap where the half-shaft meets the front diff. The feeling is that the different axle shafts for the Tundra (and for the 00 Tacoma for some reason?!?!) are different, event though they have the 27 spline, 7.5 ring gear!

The locker installs just fine and you can take it out and beat the death out of it, but you have a gap and eventually water and mud will get in, so this is really a short term solution to the weak front diff.

Here are some questions for the Tacoma/Tundra owning public, perhaps you can help:

-What is the difference in the front diff between an 00 and a 99 Tacoma that makes the 1611 not a direct fit for the Tundra?
-What is so different about the front axles between the Tundra 27 spline shaft versus the Tacoma 27 spline shaft? (apart from the obvious length) that makes it not install fully into the diff?

http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/diffs/

AFAIK there are three Tundrasolutions members that have done this install and all have reported the same problems. Somewhere out there, someone knows the answer, if you drive a Tundra and you 'wheel it--you will likely come to appreciate the work being done so we can get a front locker. Anyone having insights here would be much appreciated.

[Mike Donofrio]

Originally Posted by tacodriver2

Hi Mike,

Don't know if I can help you...is the gap the same on both half shafts or only on one side. I thought that the tundra and Tacoma diffs were identical. I have a spare front diff from my 01 taco that I was planning on regearing and installing on my tundra when I get it. Hope someone else chimes in.

At this point, ANY info would be helpful!

As you will notice on mater model (ADD equipped) Toyota front diffs. The housing is extended on the passenger side of the diff to accomodate the ADD, you wouldn't be able to see the shaft on the driver's side due to this but you can assume it's the case. Odd thing is, the ARB has the same product for both diffs (Tundra and Taco) so a 'universal fit' should be possible. I've heard that the Tundra model uses needles bearings whereas the Taco one doesn't, but no confirmation yet.

[tacodriver2]

Have you tried to slide in the half shaft into the diff while it is all off the truck? Is the retainer clip pointed in the right direction when you slide the shaft in? Just some thoughts, though I am sure you have already tried.

Just FYI I changed my 2001 front diff (4.10) to a used one from a pre 98 I believe, that already had 4.88 set up. The shafts fit fine. Wish I could be of more help.