'02 4runner 4x4 rear axle replacement

Looking for some insight/suggestions. My daughters '02 4runner 4wd got in an accident. Other vehicle made a Uturn and hit the drivers side rear tire, causing the axle/housing to bend on the drivers side. No frame damage, and want to swap out whole rearend if i could find exact replacement. If not, is it ok to find any 3rd gen 4runner (2wd or 4wd) rear housing and swap my 3rd member? Any help greatly appreciated.

 

Man! You're testing my memory from 20+ years ago. I believe 2wd and 4wd housings are the same but please double check me and verify that independently. If you get a diff along with the housing you will want to ensure the same gear ratio.
Here is a pretty good tutorial on determining your axle/gear ratio:
https://www.lceperformance.com/category-s/23290.htm
If you swap in your current diff you will not have to worry about that. But you will want to try to determine if any of the internals got damaged. You should be able to find an empty housing relatively inexpensively if you are comfortable with all of your current internals.

E locker housings are different than non e locker. I think you can make it work but it will be additional effort so likely better to get a match. Is the truck a limited?

There's more but this is a start. Let us know what you find on the gear ratio.

 

Thank you Sir! Nope, it’s a Sr5 model. Will check the tags and let you know. Thanks again!

 

Cool. I'll be really surprised if their not 4.10s.
Amongst my reading I've learned that '01 & '02 have some minor housing differences but generally nothing that can't be worked around. I also just learned that apparently 01-02 did not get e lockers? I guess due to the years being the first to have the ATRAC system and this is why some bracketry is different because there are different sensors. Anyway, poke around the net a bit.
Here is one discussion but not the first one I saw about this. (Which I can't find again)

 

Found the other thread:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/anybody-retrofit-e-locker-rear-2002-4runner-atrac-154736/

 

Found out i have A03A axle. 8” with 4.10 gears with 2 spline. Found someone selling’99 4runner 4wd rear axle complete. My question is if there will be issues with the brake lines and abs, and what are they?

 

From what I dug up, all 3rd gens got ABS so that should be a non issue. You can always just look at the housing and make sure the ABS sensors (or the holes for them) are there. Additionally, you will have to think about what you want to do about axle seals/bearings etc. The condition on that '97 is unknown. I would personally change the seals now while everything is apart for sure. Bearings is a tougher question. It is DIYable but certainly a bit bigger of a project. How does your daughter use the truck? Just around town? Lives with you? Away at school where follow up repairs would be trickier?
The bracketry modification doesn't appear to be a big deal.