3rd Gen rear ends

[hillbilly]

Every now and then, someone brings up the topic of 3rd Gen rear ends. Seems like every time the topic comes up, there's confusion about whether they have a 8" or 8.4" rear end. To this day, I'm still not 100% sure what I have. :headscratch:

So here's the numbers from the Info. Plate on the drivers door jam of my 2001 4Runner V6:

VZN185L-GKPGKA
C/TR KA3/FA45
A/TM A03A/A340F

According to Toyota.off-road.com (http://toyota.off-road.com/toyota/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=274535) the alphanumerics immediately after the "C/TR" are the color and trim codes. The second set of alphanumerics after "A/TM" should be the axle and transmission codes. So my axle code should be "A03A". A disclaimer is noted below the second chart (under the bigger, color coded chart), "We've found a number is discrepancies in this second table, so don't take it as gospel. The first table has so far proven to be accurate". But, if the second chart is accurate my "A03A" code equals:

"A" = 7.5" ring gear (commonly refer to as a 7.5" rear end)
"03" indicates a gear ratio of 4.10
"A" = 2 Pinion, Open

This seems to contradict everything I've ever heard/read about 3rd Gen 4Runner rear ends. And I don't think I've ever heard any one mention a 7.5" rear 3rd Gen was ever being made. :screwy: Most of the confusion usually revolves around the 8.4" (Tacos/T-100) and 8" (early Tacos/4Runners) (http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/diffs/#v6/turbo).

Can anyone clear this up for me with any degree of certainty?? :bowdown:

[BruceTS]

Only Taco's/T100 have the 8.4".....

4Runners only came with 8" rears....never was a 7.5" rear

All E-lockers are 8"........

[hillbilly]

Thanks Bruce. :thumbup: Can you tell/show me where/how you were able to resolve this?? Not questioning your knowledge by any means. I just want to be able to point others to it and bookmark it for when my old arse forgets.

Also, got any idea what gear ratio I'm running since I can't seem to believe the other charts??

Thanks again.
-Scott

[BruceTS]

The link you posted to 4x4 wire is complete and very clear about the differences. I've worked on enough of them to know what came with what though........

[20005spd]

i was also confused at one point about this. but it is an 8". i ran a 94 4cyl 8" welded in my 4runner for a short time, so i know it works. i also sold the original diff with a lockright in it to a member of this board ,intrepidyota, who put it in an 85 front axle.