On the Toyota Tacoma Pickup (1995.5-2004) and 4Runner (1986-2002) and 4WD Pickup/Hilux (1986-1995) models, with suspension lifts over 2", the front CV axles will operate at an increased angle, which increases wear and tear on the CV joints and boots and may cause them to break under off-road conditions if the CV joints bind up. One simple cure for this problem is to lower the differential on the front axle to reduce the angle on the CV joints. So with a 1" differential drop (i.e. Diff Drop) on a 3" lifted truck, it returns the CV angles closer to that of a more mild 2" lift.

A differential drop kit is also useful for cases increased engine - differential clearance is needed. Examples include engine swaps where an oil pan may contact the front axle or differential swaps where a larger diameter differential housing is used. In these cases, lowering the front differential can increase the clearance under the engine.

A sway bar drop kit allows the sway bar to be lowered in conjunction with a suspension lift. This can do two things. First is that it can help restore the sway bar end links to a more horizontal orientation to make the sway bar work better sitting closer to stock orientation. The second benefit is that on some Toyota 4WDs (early 4Runners and pickups), the sway bar also sits below the front drive shaft. Thus, if you lower the front differential, with a diff. drop kit, you'll also need to lower the front sway bar, if present, so that there's clearance for the front drive shaft.

Photos show a typical '86-'95Toyota 4Runner or pickup diff drop kit, using 1/2" x 5" bolts to replace the stock ~!00mm long bolts. For the later model 4Runner and Tacoma models, an 8" long bolt is typical for a 1" diff. drop. For other applications, simply remove the existing bolt, measure the length and diameter and add the height of the spacer you plan to install to that length. Usually a slightly smaller diameter bolt will be easier to install, since the holes in the differential mounting bushings and frame may not be perfectly aligned due to the angle change.

The next photo is a sway bar drop spacer with slotted holes, round holes are also fine. Since there are usually captive nuts inside the frame, match the bolt diameter and thread pitch and then add the thickness of the spacer to get the new bolt length. M8x50 works on the Toyota 4Runner, pickup and Tacoma models.

The next photo shows the typical measurements needed off the sway bar mounting bracket. Hole diameter, hole spacing front-back and the offset side-side.

The next photo shows the sway bar drop spacer installed beneath the sway bar bracket. Typically this will be inverted on the vehicle as the sway bar often mounts below the frame.

The final photo shows a diff. drop kit installed on and early model Toyota pickup. This pickup owner had removed the front sway bar, so no sway bar drop was needed. On the later model 4Runner and Tacoma models, the drop spacers are installed in front of the differential.

More information:
https://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/DiffDrop.shtml

Type A Machines

Type A Machines 2015 Series 1

Doesn't Matter

Doesn't Matter

Nylon6, ABS, etc.

For the diff drop spacers, aluminum or steel rod stock works well, around 2" diameter. Cut 2 pieces to length, face off smooth, if you want, and drill a hole in the center.

A strong filament may work for the sway bar drop brackets. Pictured is a bracket printed in Nylon6 and a set has been in use on a vehicle for many years. Nylon, ABS or something rigid and tough should work. Or use something like UHMW or aluminum bar stock, 1" thick x 1-1/2" wide works well. Cut 2 pieces to length, use a 3D printed sample for a drilling guide and that should work.

For 1" tall spacers, you'll need bolts that are 1" longer than stock.