Axle Help Please

[rcl]

The rear axle in my Toyota is a 1987 out of a 4 cylinder ifs truck.
I have been given a 1990 axle out of a 6 cylinder truck and would like to know if there is any benefit to replacing my 87.
I have not seen the newer axle yet, but should be picking it up in the next couple of weeks.
Thanks in advance.

[crazy white boy]

the diff is stronger out of the 6 cylinder truck so ya i would change it

[4RunnerChevy]

Before you throw the new axle in.  Do all the fab work on it.  My old housing has been changed so many times.  The one I am building will have all the stuff, before its installed.  Shock mounts in the right spot, pinion angle, shaved, armored and trussed, line brackets.  Like I always say, " Do it right the fifth time".

[rock-smasher]

x2  on the v6 strenth and easy upgrade 

[Rocksurfer]

Why not just swap out the 3rds?

[Coloradoyoda]

   Im not 100% sure but i think i heard that the earlier model 4 cylinder rear end is actually a couple inches shorter.  With it being shorter, when you get into a situation that you are flexing the rear suspension, you can actually have oversize tires rub on your frame.  Like i said im not positive about this.  Im sure somebody will chime in with some input on my post...

[fordh8r]

Just do as Rocksurfer said...swap the 3rds.  As for the 4cylinder housing being narrower...nope.    Granted the V6 3rd is stronger but that is the only strength difference. Plus the V6 brakes should be larger and better for stopping power when you have larger tires. 

The axle housings were narrower from 85 and earlier. Your 87 housing is the same width as the 90 housing you have. If you've already got custom work done to your 87 axle housing I'd just leave it and swap the 3rds and possibly the brake and axleshaft assemblies! 

[rcl]

Many thanks.