Axle Difference Questions

[91Toyota4x4]

I am looking for an axle and have found one for my SAS. It's an 81 axle. I know that it is not quite as gussetted as the 84/85 axles are. But other than that are there any differences? I have also seen that the pre-84 axles use round u bolts on the pass side where 84/85 used square ones?

When I order my SAS kit should I specify what year the axle is to get the right u-bolts?

Also, when I go to pick up the axle how can I visually inspect it to make sure it's at least an 81 or newer? The 80/79 have no gusset under the axle right?

[Hyena]

The only differences should be the gusset and maybe gears. Order the flip kit for the 81 axle, you are right about the round ones being pre 84.

[Lemoore-on]

81 I'm pretty sure the gears are 4.10's . 81 was the first year for the 22r and 5 speed tranny, that was when they switched from 4.37's to 4.10's.

As far as the gusseting, the 81 will be fine. They tend to bend outboard of the spring perches anyway (Not Common)

Yes, use the round U-bolts.

[Lurker]

79/80 gears were 4.37(20R)

81 early gears were 3.90 later 4.10 Toyoa thought that with the 22r they could get away with the 3.90s and get better mileage but performance suffered, so 4.10s later on.

82 up thru 85 gears were 4.10

[fourwd1]

Just get it if it's in good shape. You can add all the gusseting you want.
Considering it's 25 yrs old, you may want to give it a complete rebuild too. Replace all the bearings and seals now while it's off the truck.

[91Toyota4x4]

I already got it, the guy said it was an 81 or 82 and it has 4.10s, he bought it as a spare for his old mud truck that he sold a while back. I've already ordered the full rebuild kit for it.

http://www.tacomaterritory.com/photos/data/500/medium/axle2.JPG

So far I've removed the calipers (rusted on had to pound off with a BFH after unbolting), all the stock steering crap, and the outer half of the hubs. I quit there because the cone washers are all fubared and I didnt feel like messing with it anymore.

[Lemoore-on]

There are a few things you can do to it while its moveable.

Fill in the steering stops, they tend to collaps.
Grind off the drain plug and ring, weld around whats left of the drain plug and smooth it out.
Gusset all you want.
Add dif armor.