[2Runner]

So I have a 2002 5 lug 2.4 with the 7.5" rear and want to get a True Trac to get some real traction going. I was looking through the True Trac catalog and only see one listed for the front, can anyone confirm if this will fit in the rear by chance?

I had a "gear specialist" tell me it will, but I would like to double check before ordering up the parts!

First post on customtacos, thank for all the inspiration you have all given me and my truck Trudy!

 

[blackedout_taco_stidham]

I wish I had the part number to prove it, but I bought an assembled 3rd member from @Chris D. many many years ago and have had no problems with the Tru-Trac unit itself. (destroyed the ring and pinion gears, but that's another story). I friggin love the thing. Very predictable and makes corning much more fun.

 

[Enola Gaia]

You do NOT want either of the 7.5" TrueTracs listed for Toyota front differentials.

The TrueTrac for the 7.5" rear differential is an 'off-list' model that Detroit Locker didn't list for the Tacoma:

911A565

This was usually listed as a 'Toyota Legend Race Series' differential with no specific claims as to which years / models it fit.

This was the specific model involved in the big CT TrueTrac group buy years and years ago. To verify this is the one you want see:

Final word on TrueTrac

I called Jaw's Gear and got the answer on the TrueTrac 911A342 & 911A445 LSD's going into Tacoma 7.5" rear ends. They will bolt in as I suspected BUT according to the guy at Jaw's the internal gears of the "342", "445", or any other front 7.5" LSD's are reverse cut!He said the front LSD's won't...

www.customtacos.com

Detroit True Trac LSD for 7.5"

Detroit True Trac LSD for 7.5\" Will someone hook me up with a place with a good price on one of these units, and a part number if possible???? thanks

www.customtacos.com

Unfortunately, I can't seem to find this part number in the current Eaton catalog, and I don't know what its absence may mean.

 

[2Runner]

Thanks for chiming in guys!

I came across that part number 911A565 googlin around, but it does not seem to be for sale anywhere any longer. Looks like it was listed for a Celica?legend, which I have seen others slap int their 5 lugs alright.

Can you please elaborate on how you know the part suggested will not work?

I did find a some info stating the front and rear diff parts including the LSD were interchangeable front to rear.

Again thanks for any info you can lend guys!

 

[2Runner]

The same site shows a bunch of True Tracs and parts numbers, with interesting notes on what they fit.

Interestingly the 911A565 is listed for 7.5 and 8.4 rears. Note "n" fits "large" hub bearing 50mm.

The 911A342 is listed for 7.5 Front IFS for a few years and models too. Note (m,n) Will not fit selector on the fly, fits "large" hub bearing 50mm.

They are all 27 spline, seems there may be more interchangeability in these diff's than we may have thought or what am I missing?

 

[Enola Gaia]

The gears in the ones designed for front usage are reverse-cut (i.e., the opposite of what's needed for use in the rear).

The bearing issue is mentioned in the threads to which I referred you. Rummage around in the past threads for more info.

 

[2Runner]

For reference I did read the "final word" stating one guys said "all front IFS are reverse cut" but it seems there are both reverse cut or standard rotation if I am reading things correctly..

Such as the 911A342 the "guy" I talked to said it would work, see IFS standard rotation:

And did you see that nifty compatibility tab, here is what is lists it works for:

Here is some info listed on the 7.5 IFS stating it came in either reverse OR standard rotations. The details state there is compatibility with some rears too.

I must admit I am not 100% sure if the "reverse cut" (per final word) means the same as reverse rotation vs standard rotation, just sharing my thoughts and wondering if this sounds correct!?

 

[Enola Gaia]

In one of the threads I referred you to it's stated that the front versions didn't hold up if installed in the rear. Maybe it has something to do with the reason you need to install the alternative bearings.

 

[2Runner]

I would gladly get the diff you mentioned for the rear if I could find it anywhere. Even though the guy said the bearing must be swapped to make that one fit the 4 cylinder 5 lug.

It also looks like flipping the gears may be needed when putting a front diff in the rear.

I really have no idea why a front may be weaker than a rear version, but again I dont think I have too many options left at this point...

Thanks again for your help here, it is really confusing looking at hordes of contradicting info on this!!

 

[MatosTaco]

Just throwing out another option here. This is cheaper and has more availability. The 8.8 from a Ford Explorer comes with LSD, a few different gearing choices, and disc brakes. I got one from the Junkyard for $180. It mounts directly to the Tacoma leafs. You will need a U-joint bracket from a Ford Ranger (get it at the same junkyard). It bolts to the 8.8 and fits the U-joint on the Tacoma's driveshaft.

 

[2Runner]

Thanks for providing another option here @MatosTaco!

I will update with whatever I end up doing since it seems all the threads on the subject are over a decade old...

 

[toycoma98]

Why not a locker? Spartan locker is nice, comes with a new stronger center pin. Better than richmond powertrax lock right locker, doesn't come with center pin.