Taco vs. V6

[Izeloz]

I just picked up most of a '97 Tacoma 4WD with a 3RZ. Figured while I swapping the engine into my '85 I might as well swap the rear axle in, too. Just out of curiosity, is the taco 3rd stronger than the '89-'95 V6 3rds? I know the axle housing itself is a little weaker, but I was under the impression that the 3rd is stronger. Can anyone verify this?

[FrankenToy]

If it's an 8.4" (should be if it's not a TRD e-locker) then the third is stronger in the respect that carrier bearing caps are "girdled" together. The R&P are the same as a V6, so no difference there. I, personally, would stay with a "non-girdled" third simply because they have threaded adjusters and DON'T use washers/shims to adjust backlash like the "girdled" 8.4's do (a lot easier for me to set-up). The 8.4 thirds will NOT fit in an '79-'95 housing.

[Low Range]

Definitely you would benefit in width, but the availability and swapability of the 8" Third Member from your '85 is going to be much better than the non-e-locked 8.4 diff you have. It is all up to you though, most people prefer either the e-locked 8" axle from the Taco, or swapping a e-locked third into a IFS Rear axle due to the extra width. There is just a lot of options for you, but generally the 8" differential has the most options. There is a strength advantage on the 8.4" diff over what is in your '85, a place you can look at pics is http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/diffs/

Hope this helps.