I am trying to decide btwn a 5th Gen Trail or an SR5. I need 7 seats (family size) but I really want a rear locker. I am trading in my 2006 4x4 Z71 Colorado with a rear locker and it has helped IMMENSELY in deep snow.

So I want the trail, but it doesn't have 7 seats. Does anyone know of a mod to putting the "trail" rear-end in an SR5 and having the A-trac still work? Has anyone done it?

Would it be easier to trying a put the third row in a trail?

Any suggestions would be extremely helpful.

AS with MOST things in life, you can't ALWAYS get what you want.

And I apologize if this is elsewhere, I searched but couldn't find what I was looking for.

These are all speculation, and I am just guessing, so nobody yell at me:

I believe it would be mechanically easier to install a third row in a trail, depending on how it easy it would be to find/fab brackets, and buy a 3rd row of seats. BUT I am not sure where the seat belts connect and you wouldn't be able to find the same material in the seats, so that would be awkward looking.

The elocker retro fit can definitely be done, as it has been done on both 4th gens, and 3rd gens extensively, but it can be a bit of a PITA, wiring/housing modifications etc... you can search more on 4th gen forums you can read about elocker retro fits to get more of an idea of what is involved. I am not aware of anyone doing this yet on a 5th gen.

3rd option: ARB locker. This would require an air compressor under the hood, so each option has its own little PITA.

Hope this helps...

Getting third row airbags has to be harder than installing a rear locker in my estimation.

Shouldn't be too long beofre someone crashes thier TE and you can buy the rear end. The locker is electric, so just need to installed the rear axle and get power it?

When the rear locker is locked, does the ABS, ESP, TRAC, A-TRAC, etc. need to be changed? That is, does the computer(s) running those systems need to know that the rear diff is locked?

ARB is coming out with a rear locker for the SR5/Limited.

Locker is already out. Its model # RD 193.

I just googled it. that is awesome.

I am going to give them a call today and let you know what I find out about A-TRAC, etc and where I can get it installed, etc.

Thanks for the help guys. I am looking forward to my new 4Runner

Would the Atrac care if the diff is locked? My understanding is that it is looking for different axle speeds when it applies the brake to the left or right to increase torque on the other side. The left and right axles shouldn't be spinning at different speeds when locked and that would make the Atrac think things were kosher back there. What differentiates Atrac and Trac?

It shoulnt affect atrac sine you can run both atrac and locker on tacomas. HOWEVER, atrac is a great system and I would give it a chance before you spend the money on a locker.

I agree that Atrac is awesome. But nothing, absolutely nothing can replace having lockers rear and/or front in a vehicle. It is amazing how easy obstacles become when wheels are locked!!!!!!!!