Tips on finding a rear locker? - Toyota 4Runner Forum

gimlithepirate · 05-26-2020, 10:30 AM

I've been watching carpart, but it doesn't look like many of the local junkyards use it. That, or all the FJ Cruiser owners are really good drivers (Ha).

Anyone have any tips on where to source an 8 inch toyota e-locker?

rich dog · 05-26-2020, 01:19 PM

I snagged a tacoma elocker off of craigslist. Same gear ratio and was about 180 for the harness from low range offroad. lkq might have some on hand. check tacoma world's classified also.

importman · 05-26-2020, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rich dog

I snagged a tacoma elocker off of craigslist. Same gear ratio and was about 180 for the harness from low range offroad. lkq might have some on hand. check tacoma world's classified also.

I apologize for hijacking gimlithepirate's thread but I'm curious; How much trouble is it to make the switch to the factory locker, running harness and stuff, and is it basically plug and play? And what year Tacoma and/or FJ will work for an 05 V6 model, (if you know). Thanks

Quiero · 05-26-2020, 04:28 PM

I decided that if I take the plunge on mine I'm just going ARB air locker

rich dog · 05-26-2020, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by importman

I apologize for hijacking gimlithepirate's thread but I'm curious; How much trouble is it to make the switch to the factory locker, running harness and stuff, and is it basically plug and play? And what year Tacoma and/or FJ will work for an 05 V6 model, (if you know). Thanks

You need to grind out a small portion of the housing to fit the motor and purchase a few longer studs. Lowrange sells all the equipment needed. I found a 3.73 from a tacoma. Pretty sure the fj autos have the same gear ratio. v6 runners may be a 3.90? the v8s are 3.73.
I think all second gen tacomas and first gen fj cruisers are plug and play minus the grinding. E lockers are great for a daily driven rig. I've got a detroit in my first gen and while its fun to chirp corners I think it would get old on a daily driver.
Never had an arb but I always hear of people having issues with air lines popping loose and then you need onboard air as well.

gimlithepirate · 05-27-2020, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rich dog

You need to grind out a small portion of the housing to fit the motor and purchase a few longer studs. Lowrange sells all the equipment needed. I found a 3.73 from a tacoma. Pretty sure the fj autos have the same gear ratio. v6 runners may be a 3.90? the v8s are 3.73.
I think all second gen tacomas and first gen fj cruisers are plug and play minus the grinding. E lockers are great for a daily driven rig. I've got a detroit in my first gen and while its fun to chirp corners I think it would get old on a daily driver.
Never had an arb but I always hear of people having issues with air lines popping loose and then you need onboard air as well.

Didn't realize some of the Tacomas were 3.73's. That's good to know.

I would definitely do the low range off road kit. Most stock looking option for these.

Toyota e-lockers have a pretty great reputation, and I think it's a better option than dealing with all the potential problems an air locker system brings.

Inv4drZm · 05-27-2020, 09:51 AM

I would agree that a rear Toyota elocker is a pretty good and reliable option.

If you are eventually wanting a front locker, an ARB makes more sense, as you'll need the compressor and air components anyway.

If you can't find a used elocker diff, might try emailing ECGS and see if you can swap yours plus some money for their rebuilt elocker diffs. You could get it rebuilt with a solid pinion spacer at this time too. Not sure if they stock elocker motors or if you'll need to find one separately, those can be expensive.

gimlithepirate · 05-27-2020, 12:47 PM

ECGS will do the swap, and the nice part is you get a high quality rebuilt unit as opposed to a junkyard one. The problem is the actuator motor, which does not come with that package, and as mentioned gets seriously pricey.

A local shop is swearing high and low that Eaton makes an e-locker for a Toyota 8 inch, which I can't find anywhere online. Only other e-locker option I've found is Harrop, which is pricey

rich dog · 05-27-2020, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gimlithepirate

ECGS will do the swap, and the nice part is you get a high quality rebuilt unit as opposed to a junkyard one. The problem is the actuator motor, which does not come with that package, and as mentioned gets seriously pricey.

A local shop is swearing high and low that Eaton makes an e-locker for a Toyota 8 inch, which I can't find anywhere online. Only other e-locker option I've found is Harrop, which is pricey

I think eaton/harrop is the same thing if i'm not mistaken. If you're going to regear i think your best bet is to go east coast gear. If you're planning on staying with your stock setup its probably better to find a used setup. all in i'm at $550 for the third member and gaskets/studs/harness.

Drift Monkey · 05-27-2020, 02:25 PM

Doesn't the 8.2 FJ 3.73 elocker rear axle just swap directly in with no modification needed?

Inv4drZm · 05-27-2020, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drift Monkey

Doesn't the 8.2 FJ 3.73 elocker rear axle just swap directly in with no modification needed?

The entire axle assembly w/ housing, yes.

Drift Monkey · 05-27-2020, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inv4drZm

The entire axle assembly w/ housing, yes.

Which years should I be searching for?

Edit: looks like 2010-2014.

Inv4drZm · 05-27-2020, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drift Monkey

Which years should I be searching for?

Edit: looks like 2010-2014.

Yes, and as far as I know 5th gen 4Runners axles can swap over too, they are all 8.2 but not as many w/ elocker as FJ's.

gimlithepirate · 05-27-2020, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rich dog

I think eaton/harrop is the same thing if i'm not mistaken. If you're going to regear i think your best bet is to go east coast gear. If you're planning on staying with your stock setup its probably better to find a used setup. all in i'm at $550 for the third member and gaskets/studs/harness.

I'm just running 33s so no need to regear. I would run the used one, but I cannot seem to source one. The ones on eBay tend to be absurd, and I have not had any luck local yet.

rich dog · 05-27-2020, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gimlithepirate

I'm just running 33s so no need to regear. I would run the used one, but I cannot seem to source one. The ones on eBay tend to be absurd, and I have not had any luck local yet.

Look up rancho toyota recycling. They are in sacramento and have a ton of inventory. I'm sure they could source a diff and ship it. not sure on the pricing.

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