Replacing the rear axle on Toyota Tundra 2003 4x4

Does anyone know what different axles I can use to swap for my current rear axle? I bent the axle shaft on the rear drivers side of my tundra after swapping axle shafts, the axle is leaking gear oil from that side. I attempted to drain the diff to fix another leak on the cover which I know all about but I can't get the drain plug off. I am wanting to take the rear axle out entirely but I have a 4x4, 3.909, with limited slip which I cannot find in any junk yard in my area. What do yall recommend when looking for a rear axle? Do I need to find a truck with those exact specifications and year or can I get by with getting an axle that is say 4x2 and not limited slip. At this point, if I have to get rid of 4wd I wouldn't care as long as I can drive my truck.

 

NAPA sells an Axle Kit for about $300. Try there website site and plug in your info. Buy Toyota Seals and throw away the new NAPA Seals during put back. Toyota Seals Only!

 

The rear axle out of any tundra with the 3.909 should suffice. You can swap you LSD third member in to the new-to-you axle. 4WD AC models will be 3.909, some 2WD will have 3.909, some will have different gear sets in them so beware. Also, swapping the rear axle will not get rid of your 4WD. As long as you keep the same gearing, it will all still play nice.

 

@KNABORES So if I were to get a rear axle from 1 2wd truck with no limited slip but the same gear ratio, I could get away with it?

 

LSD or non-lsd axles are interchangeable.

I just put an OEM LSD 3rd member in my non-lsd rear end.



You could swap just the housing and axles. Keep your 3rd member for the gear ratio and LSD.

 

@assassin10000 so to clarify you are saying the only thing that counts is the gear ratio and I can get away with getting a rear end off of a truck that doesn't have 4wd or limited slip?

 

You’ll need those ABS Sensor Holes on your new/used axle.

 

@Professional Hand Model does that mean you agree with the previous statement?

 

It means you need ABS holes. Personally, I’d do a parts look up and buy the exact part needed new/used. 4x4 is cool to have and you should keep it that way.

 

Basically, yes.

Get a non-lsd 4x4 or 2wd rear end with ABS (if your truck has it). And put your 3rd member (center diff) with lsd in the housing.


FYI the 2wd and 4x4 use different pinion flanges. Unless you know how to check rotational torque, it may be easier for you to swap the whole 3rd instead of just the pinion flange.