I am confused about this now... You have a good 4.3 diff right? So now you don't need another diff, so all you need from a yard is an axle housing. Any 4runner axle housing will work as long as you match locker/non-locker to your diff.

I actually have my old 4.3 locked diff in my garage. It has been sitting in my garage for a few years collecting dust, and the outside is rusted pretty badly but it worked fine when I took it out.

Anyway, at this point, you might consider any housing, locked or not locked, then mod it if needed. Or take a rusty one that just doesn't have pinholes yet, clean it really well, then seal it up tight. I dont' think you should be paying more than $100-200 for a housing (and 200 is a bit high IMO). If it's rusted, try to negotiate with the yard for a lower price.

Another option might be attempting to replace the bearings yourself and re-set up the diff. I have been wanting to try this myself and I think I have all the equipment needed (press, welder for jigs, etc). I can't guarantee success though.

I really don't think it should be as hard is it seems from your posts.

 

WOW! I just finally read this post. Sucks to be on the east coast. I have a complete rear axle, drum to drum from a 99 4Runner sitting in a shed that nobody here in AZ wants.

Looks like new. Came from a 5 speed so probably wrong gear ratio. Has light blue paint on pinion.

 

yea east coast sucks everythings rusty an over priced, like people try to sell for sake of argument a 92 pick up on craigslist for 3 grand when the cab corners are gone and the beds half rotted off with 200,000 miles on it or atleast in Vermont that's how it is and people will actually buy that crap