Topic: 94 4runner rear gear change

[japbike736]

I want to change my chunk from a 3.90 to a 4.10.  I have the 4.10 chunk ready to go. Being an old Chrysler guy I am very familiar with the mopar 8 3/4 rear end. How similar are the two rear axles? What is the best way to remove the axles? I know this is a new guy type of question but that's what I am!!   Thanks

[BoG-ToY]

Make sure you have a couple pairs of vacuum caps of different sizes around 1/8-1/4 as the brakes will drain by gravity!
Unbolt the driveshaft. Undo brake fluid lines and ebrake lines. (Depending on line routing on the 4Runner you might be able to unbolt clamps for the ebrake lines to move them out far enough to clear the diff)
Four nuts on the back side of each brake drum and all those 12mm nuts on the diff
Most axles have a little ring that protects you from damaging the seal inside, but be prepared to support the drums when you pull out the axles, don't just hang them in the axle housing!

[BoG-ToY]

Might want to have a bungy cord to keep your driveshaft from coming apart while you are working as well!

[Prismo]

I use the vacuum caps when I pull the lines also. On my 90 4runner you need to pull the drum, pull off the emergency brake cable. The brake backing plate that the brakes attach to is part of the rear axle. Undo the 4 bolts and the axle shaft assembly comes out. Be careful not to drag the axle across the seal as you remove it.

[BoG-ToY]

Prismo, I think that's what we did on the only 2nd generation runner I ever touched the rear axle on! We did pull the drum and disconnect the cable inside!
Done way too many truck style e-brake cables!

[japbike736 [OP]]

Thanks for all your help. Way different than a Chrysler.....