Identifying the different generations of Toyota Tacomas and their different axles

Identifying the Different Generations of Toyota Tacoma Axles  

If you're thinking about swapping the axle components on your Toyota Tacoma (or Toyota Hilux if you live overseas), whether because the originals are broken or you want a stouter option, you first need to know what came from the factory. This knowledge will give you a better idea of what the truck can do in stock form, potential ways a new axle can improve performance and whether the parts you're eyeing will fit without modifications.

Regardless of the model year and generation, every Toyota Tacoma has a solid rear axle and an independent front suspension. They also have a centered mounting with no offset. The big questions are the size of the rear axle and what factory differential it has. Our guide looks at the different Toyota Tacoma axle options, starting with the best way to determine what axle setup the truck had from the factory.

We have created a Tacoma parts category making it easy to find parts that fit your specific Tacoma model. Browse differentials, ring and pinion gear sets, differential bearing kits and gear packages with front and rear gear sets and master install kits ready for install! Click here to view available parts.

How to Identify My Toyota Tacoma Axle Type

Every Tacoma pickup has a manufacturer's compliance sticker; this includes an axle code with a letter, two digits and another letter. The first digit tells you the ring gear diameter, the second and third digits indicate the gear ratio and the fourth digit is the rear differential design. The sticker is usually on the driver's side door jamb but can sometimes be under the hood.

If the sticker is missing or illegible, the axle itself may have a label with information. You can also confirm your axle design by manually measuring the ring gear and counting the teeth in the ring and pinion gears to get the ratio. Simply looking at the differential cover shape can tell you a lot as well, as each cover has a distinct look based on diameter, differential type, etc.

First-generation Tacoma (1995-2004)

As the original Tacoma, this truck still has a special place in many people's hearts - but because of the truck's age it's also a common candidate for axle replacement and upgrades. Let's start our review of it with the axle code list:

First digit (ring gear)

A = 7.5"

B = 8"

Second and third digits (gear ratio)

01 = 3.583

02 = 3.727

03 = 4.1

04 = 4.556 or 4.3

05 = 4.7

06 = 4.875 or 3.909

Fourth digit (differential)

A = 2-pinion open

B = 4-pinion open

C = 2-pinion OEM limited-slip

Popular gear ratio upgrades available from Revolution Gear and Axle include 4.56, 4.88 and 5.29 Ratio. First generation Tacoma with open differentials have a 30 spline 7.5" front ring and pinion and a 27 spline 8.4" rear. Tacoma's with lockers have the 27 spline 8" V6 rear ring and pinion.

Second-generation Tacoma (2005-15)

Toyota significantly overhauled the rear axle options for the second-gen Tacoma, as you can see from the code listing:

First digit (ring gear)

A = 8"

B = 8.8"

Second and third digits (gear ratio)

01 = 3.583:1

02 = 4.1:1

03 = 3.153:1

04 = 3.727:1

05 = 3.307:1

06 = 4.3:1

07 = 3.909:1

Fourth digit (differential)

A = Open differential

B = E-locker

C = Limited-slip differential

While the front axle remained the same width, the rear axle increased width to match the wider body. This made the truck more stable on rough terrain and increased steering clearance.

Second generation Tacoma's updated the front differential to a clamshell 29-spline 8" IFS differential. Open rear differentials have the same first generation 27-spline 8.4" rear ring and pinion. Tacoma's with lockers utilize a 29-spline 8" V6 rear ring and pinion.

Third-generation Tacoma (2016-23)

For the third generation, Toyota upgraded with a stronger 8.75" rear axle on models with rear electronic locker. They also dropped the limited-slip differential, leaving the open design and E-locker as the only factory options.

2016-23 Tacoma's all utilize the same 2 ^nd generation front 29 spline 8" IFS ring and pinion gear sets. Rear locker differentials utilize the 8.75" 34 spline gear set while open differentials use an 8" V6 29 spline gear set.

First digit (ring gear)

A = 8"

B = 8.8"

Second and third digits (gear ratio)

01 = 3.583:1

02 = 4.1:1

03 = 3.153:1

04 = 3.727:1

05 = 3.307:1

06 = 4.3:1

07 = 3.909:1

Fourth digit (differential)

A = Open

B = E-locker

Fourth Generation Tacoma (2024 Launch)

Toyota revamped the Tacoma in 2024, check back soon for more information and available drivetrain upgrades!