Hello I have a 1984 4runner and am faced with rebuilding the front end or swapping it out to a dana 44. I am wondering the pros and cons of doing this swap. If I have a 44 narrowed is there a stock inner axle that can be used or do I have to have one custom made? How much stronger is the 44 compared to a toy axle? Does the 44 have a better or worse turning radius? I do know for the most part that parts are cheaper for the 44. I have a v6 toy rear end that i want to keep but it seems the closest gear ratio to mach is the toy 4.88 and the 44 4.89. Does anyone know if there are any ratios closer to 5.29? Any info or insight on this swap would be greatly appreciated.

It would be cheaper and easier just to rebuild your Toyota axle. Strength is comparable to a Dana 44 but Longfields make Toy axles more economical to upgrade. The only advantages I see with the Dana 44 is the turning radius is better and you can go wider if you want to.

If you do decide you want to go with a Dana 44 you will want to check out Erik Beeb's swap (http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/4runner/sas/) and my swap (http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/dana44/axle/). These will answer your gear ratio and axle shaft questions.

Dollar for dollar, rebuilding the Toyota axle the right parts will cost less and be stronger than swapping in a Dana 44. Remember, when you swap axles also need to adapt the brakes and steering to fit.

Originally posted by Dirty Harry
It would be cheaper and easier just to rebuild your Toyota axle. Strength is comparable to a Dana 44 but Longfields make Toy axles more economical to upgrade. The only advantages I see with the Dana 44 is the turning radius is better and you can go wider if you want to.

If you do decide you want to go with a Dana 44 you will want to check out Erik Beeb's swap (http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/4runner/sas/) and my swap (http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/dana44/axle/). These will answer your gear ratio and axle shaft questions.

dont forget the availability of parts the price of those parts and the fact that a 44 is easier to take apart, or at least it seems that way

Ben