E-Locker swap or Air Locker for 5th Gen

cbielat

cbielat

Senior Member
Hey guys,
I'll start off by saying I've been searching for a solid answer but could not find exactly what I'm looking for through the search.

I've decided that my next modification will be a rear locker come spring. I've been leaning towards the ARB Air Locker but my friend and I got into discussing E-Lockers. Has anyone on here yet put an E locker from a 5th gen Trail into a 5th gen SR5? How extensive would the modification be? I would try to find a salvaged/junk yard Trail Edition if this is a good route to take. Also, would an FJ or Tacoma E Locker work?

Thanks all,

Chris
 
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Would be easier to get an ARB.

You would need the complete diff from a 2010+ 4Runner or FJC, earlier models and Taco use the old 8" diff if they have the locker. You would also need solenoid, wiring, and figure out how to actuate it.
 
IMO - An ARB with a larger compressor to use to air up too. Probably the easiest and cleanest set up and a 5 year guarantee.
 
On the 2nd Gen Tacoma's the e locker is a smaller, slightly weaker diff than the open diff, meaning converting the open diff to air locker is cheaper, easier and slightly stronger than an e locker....

Not positive if that's the same for the 5th gen, but would assume....

Can anyone confirm?

David
 
I have also been wondering this. Wish I could have gotten a trail for this option but the turd row seats were a must to the wife.
 
Canazes9 said:
On the 2nd Gen Tacoma's the e locker is a smaller, slightly weaker diff than the open diff, meaning converting the open diff to air locker is cheaper, easier and slightly stronger than an e locker....

Not positive if that's the same for the 5th gen, but would assume....

Can anyone confirm?

David
Click to expand...
From what I understand:
2005+ Taco - 8.4" open or 8" locker
2003-2009 4Runner - 8.2" open or 8" locker
<2010 FJC - 8.2" open or 8" locker
2010+ FJC - 8.2" both
2010+ 4Runner - 8.2" both

All have the same 8" clamshell front diff. The 8.2 (or also called 8.4), is really the same 8" size as the old 8" but has internal strength upgrades, but they are not carrier compatible.
 
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Jeremy556 said:
From what I understand:
2005+ Taco - 8.2" open or 8" locker
2003-2009 4Runner - 8.2" open or 8" locker
<2010 FJC - 8.2" open or 8" locker
2010+ FJC - 8.2" both
2010+ 4Runner - 8.2" both

All have the same 8" clamshell front diff. The 8.2 (or also called 8.4), is really the same 8" size as the old 8" but has internal strength upgrades, but they are not carrier compatible.
Click to expand...

Ah well, when you assume...

Thanks for the correction/clarification !

David
 
That is my understanding from reading here and Taco forums, I have never actually been into any of these diffs further than to change fluids. Hopefully someone more knowledgable than I (paging [MENTION=8206]harper7[/MENTION]) will be along to confirm or correct that info.
 
cbielat said:
Hey guys,
I'll start off by saying I've been searching for a solid answer but could not find exactly what I'm looking for through the search.

I've decided that my next modification will be a rear locker come spring. I've been leaning towards the ARB Air Locker but my friend and I got into discussing E-Lockers. Has anyone on here yet put an E locker from a 5th gen Trail into a 5th gen SR5? How extensive would the modification be? I would try to find a salvaged/junk yard Trail Edition if this is a good route to take. Also, would an FJ or Tacoma E Locker work?

Thanks all,

Chris
Click to expand...
The axle housing itself is different too and would have to be swapped out as well which would make it much more expensive unless you get really lucky and find one in a junkyard. Alot of the FJ guys that had an e-locker and had diff problems swap out to the ARB as it actually strengthens it and the engagement and disengagement is usually faster and easier. You do have to worry about the air line going back to the air locker getting cut or caught on something that makes it useless.Ask me why I bring a spare air line and splice kit along now.lol

Jeremy556 said:
That is my understanding from reading here and Taco forums, I have never actually been into any of these diffs further than to change fluids. Hopefully someone more knowledgable than I (paging [MENTION=8206]harper7[/MENTION]) will be along to confirm or correct that info.
Click to expand...
You were pretty close. Here is pretty much every diff used in the 4Runners and Tacomas through the years. Complete 3rd members, clamshells, and axles

The non elocker Tacoma 8.4" is actually a 8.25" ring gear and nobody knows why they call it a 8.4. Here's a good history read but wasn't updated since 2008 and doesn't include what we have in our rears.We do have the nearly bullet proof 8.0" front clamshell as you stated. Our 5th gen 8.2"s rear diffs were a complete redesign in 2010 from the anemic 8.0"s initially designed for a 4 cyl of previous 4Runners and FJ's. Erik's Toyota Differential info
 
Just to touch base on another route that will work.
I had an FJ that did not come with an E-locker, my buddy went solid axle front and rear Currie Rock jocks. He sold me his old rear axle with the factory E-locker($500, also had 4:56 gears). The axle will bolt on the same as the non E-locker (for 5th gens an FJ rear axle will also fit for 10"+ models as far as I have researched). To make things simple and bypass the ECU I bought a wiring harness from 12Voltguy.com.
($100) The harness has plugs that attach directly to your E-locker plugs and you can wire it to straight to the battery. Install the switch on the dash somewhere and you now have a E-locker and will also work in 2 wheel drive and 4Hi.
While an ARB is superior (at least $1300+), this will be a cheaper way to go for sure, if you can find a rear axle housing with E-locker diff.
 
forwheeler said:
Hey OP -- Did you get the ARB locker? Any problems with install?
Click to expand...

I was planning on it but still haven't ordered one. So far I've been just fine with the factory traction settings. I would go the ARB route as it seems much simpler than getting all of the parts for the E Locker.
 
cbielat said:
I would go the ARB route as it seems much simpler than getting all of the parts for the E Locker.
Click to expand...

Thanks. That's what I've heard from people too. Plus having the onboard air is really nice. Make sure to poost an update if you get the ARB, would love to know your opinion. :thanks:
 
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