Toyota

Toyota has provided 4 differential types in pickups and 4Runners -- the 8" standard, the 7.5", the 8" V6/Turbo, and a new one in the Tacoma and third-generation (96+) 4Runners.

The most common is the 8" standard. It is used in the rear axle on '79-95 (96?) 4WD trucks and 4Runners, and 3/4 and 1 ton 2WD pickups, and it is also used in the front axle on 79-85 (solid beam) pickups and 4Runners.

The 8" V6/Turbo axle is found in some turbo and V6 models, and is a little beefier. It is a 4-pinion design, whereas the regular 8" is a 2-pinion design. Many V6's had 2-pinion cases too.

The 7.5" differential is used in the front of IFS trucks ('86 and later). It is also used as the rear differential on some 2WD trucks.

The 8-inch Toyota axles are strong and utilize a third-member setup, much like the 9-inch Ford. This means the 'guts' of the axle can be easily removed for servicing or gear and differential carrier changes. It also means that its easy and fairly cheap to buy and ship third members from differential specialists.