I think I have a lead on a 1998 4Runner with 5 Speed manual trans with the eLocker option on it. ~160k Miles looks clean but I have to check for rust.

Any reasons why its not a good option, I will only do minimal upgrades for hunting with where its muddy. No ice or rock crawling.

Thanks for any feedback

Rnachdog

5 SPD and E-locker? That's hard to come by. You could wait a long time to find another with both options.

If it looks in good condition I would grab it.

Any thoughts from anyone else ??

Buy it!

E lockers are over rated.

If you're not doing terrain where you know youre gona get stuck, there's no need for em in my opinion.

Yes, buy it if it's in good condition. The only downside is that it doesn't have the 99+ upgrades but you could add them later.

What are the desired upgrades ??

Thanks Ranchdog

We have the nasty clay mud around here that is like grease. I kid you not. During hunting season which is our rainy season. I have an F250 and its so heavy 4WD just almost sinks it in this greasy clay.

Ranchdog

Here is a decent summary thread & I am also sure that there is one on this site as well:

https://www.4runners.com/threads/3rd...30/#post-15774

No pink milkshake issues with a 5 speed transmission so frame rust, rockers, fenders, LBJs, etc. are all things to inspect. It will serve you well for what you need it, given checking for the above items. Prices are area dependent.

Personally, I think it's the best factory ($265-305) option one could possibly get in a 4wd. With it....you at least have 3 wheels with power.

To the OP, I have a '99 5spd. I personally prefer it as it feels like it has a lot more power on acceleration than the auto.

If it's in decent shape at a good price, buy it....."don't think about it, buy it".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4rPIuK8RaY

Wouldn't you have 4 wheels under power in 4LO, with E-lock on ? like both front wheels turning and both back wheels turning ? I have no idea so this is more a question..

Thanks, RD

Not in low traction situations where one front wheel has none.

4WD trucks aren't really driving all 4 wheels because the differential allows them to have more manageable highway manners so the wheels on the same axle can turn at different speeds while negotiating a corner.

When you add a rear locker and turn it on in the case of the elocker, both rear tires are driven at the same rate, regardless of traction or turning. It's effectively like a spool when engaged.

Which means....you have two tires driving in the rear, but up front, you may only have one if say the passenger side tire is in the air or is spinning helplessly in mud. In that case, you really have only 3 wheel drive, but the truth is, the one in the air that's spinning isn't doing you any good in terms of forward motion. What you then have to hope happens is the rear "pushes" the front forward enough for the front end to regain traction. The better solution is a front locker....then all 4 wheels will pull (with say an ARB for example and to simplify the discussion).

Ok, Thanks I have much to learn for I am Grasshopper

Ranchdog

No biggie....I certainly don't know everything about 3rd Gens....and I've owned mine since new. We all gotta start somewhere. There's plenty more I need to learn as well.