4cyl Turbo and V6* 4Runners and mini-trucks use the Toyota 8" 4-pinion differential in the rear. This diff is known as the "V6/Turbo diff." It has larger carrier bearings, is generally stronger than the standard 4cyl version, and is a direct swap into axles that use the 4cyl 8" diff. Separate gear sets are made for the V6 style diff (only from Toyota and Precision Gear), but cheaper, more readily available 4cyl style gears are commonly made to fit- the only difference being a very slightly larger pinion gear on the V6 style gear (the actual strength difference in gear sets is debatable). The strength increase in this diff over the 4cyl diff comes mainly from the beefed up housing, which stiffens the entire assembly, keeping the gears in proper (stronger) alignment.
tc, that link rocks! i say it should be a sticky!
