I’ve been having an internal debate on what my next big upgrade should be for my 4th Gen 4Runner.
I’ve been reading a lot about the prominence of failures in our 8.0 rear differential and it’s making me think long and hard about what I want to do about it. I am not an extreme wheeler, but I want to make sure that I have something that won’t leave me high and dry in the middle of nowhere.
The options I’m currently weighing are:
- Rebuild the current 8.0 with a solid pinion spacer from East Coast Gear Supply (ECGS)
- Will be stronger than OEM crush sleeve spacer
- BUT, it’s still the undersized 8.0 rear diff that is prone to blowing up in off-road use, especially with bigger tires.
- Find an FJ Cruiser e-locker diff, and have it rebuilt with solid pinion spacer from ECGS and retrofit it into my axle housing.
- Will be stronger than OEM crush sleeve spacer
- E-Locker will help reduce excessive wheel spin which can reduce wheel hop and ultimately reduce some stresses on the rear.
- Still same undersized 8.0
- Will have to permanently modify my rear axle housing, which makes me nervous in the event that something doesn’t go as planned.
- Find an FJ Cruiser e-locker diff and housing, and have it rebuilt with solid pinion spacer from ECGS and swap my full axle assembly.
- Will be stronger than OEM crush sleeve spacer
- E-Locker will help reduce excessive wheel spin which can reduce wheel hop and ultimately reduce some stresses on the rear.
- Still same undersized 8.0
- Find a late model (2010+) FJ Cruiser, or 5th Gen 4Runner rear axle assembly with the 8.2 differential.
- Direct bolt on swap
- Bigger R&P and very few documented blow ups in it’s factory configuration
- More expensive than sourcing an 8.0
- Find a late model (2010+) FJ Cruiser, or 5th Gen 4Runner rear axle assembly with the 8.2 differential with e-locker.
- Even more expensive to source!
The biggest factor is will it be worth the added cost would be worth the improved strength and performance.
Decision coming soon — stay tuned!
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Looking at the same dilemma as you now, and the same options. I have an 05 4 runner which means 3.73 gears in the rear diff. I know that the 07-09 FJ has 3.73 with the auto, does this continue with the 2010+ FJ’s?. I know I cant use the manual as it has 3.91 from an FJ. Would be nice to get the complete rear end and swap it with a 8.2 and locker.
Hi, Jim, thanks for commenting! The 2010+ autos do also have a 3.73 (same as the 5th gen 4Runners). If you can find a 2010+ Trail Edition 4Runner, or a 2010+ FJ (Auto), you should have the same 8.2 setup. If I had the funds, I would definitely have gone that way due to it’s improved design over the 8.0. Unfortunately, people know they’re more desirable, and they’re priced accordingly!
If you come across a good deal, I’d go that route though. Let me know what you decide to do – I’m always excited to see other people’s projects.
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