3rd row + locker

I

INSW20

New member
Seems to me like there isn't any way to get a Trail with 3rd row. She wants 3rd row (or a Highlander :wtf:) and I'd feel awful not getting a locker. I currently have a TRD OR Tacoma w/ locker and know what it's for, and when to use it.

Am I correct in stating the only way to get a 3rd row with a locker is either get a Trail and then install the 3rd row from an SR5, or get an SR5 and then get an ARB locker or similar? What's the reasoning behind not offering a trail w/ 3rd row??
 
Register to hide this ad
Because guys with rugrats don't off-road? I kid.

I'm with ya. If the trail had a 3rd row option, that's what I'd be driving now...
 
I think the reasoning is the 3rd row takes some storage space... and it is pretty much useless for anything but small children.

All the 4wd 5th gens come with ATRAC and it does work pretty darn well. I know some of the Tacos also have it, but it seems to work much better in the 5th gens for some reason. You might try it and find the locker is not needed for what you do. Adding an air locker is also not a bad way to go. They provide added strength and are instant on/off.
 
Agree with above, unless Demello has some surprise for us I would think it far cheaper to add a locker to an SR5 then to retrofit Airbags, belts, 3rd row seats, trim pieces.....don't forget the second row seats are also differant.

Only Toyota knows why they only offered it on the SR5 and Limited. I would guess to keep prices down, same guess as to why KDSS and Sunroof are not offered on a Pro. In an ideal world we could pick and choose every option we wanted (5rd row, locker, keyless start, auto climate control, AWD etc )
 
Factory third row vehicle and add aftermarket locker is much better move. You get all the factory saftey features and aftermarket lockers have advantages over the factory unit.add the hood if you like. be a better overall fit if you really do need that 3rd row and a locker your going more serious off road and will be adding other aftermarket equipment anyways.
 
+1 [MENTION=3985]05Runner[/MENTION]. When I was looking, I was advised that the third row is a factory option that comes with all the air bag and seat belt equipment and wasn't offered as a port or dealer option.

You could always install a third row seat, but you won't have the factory side airbags.
 
wfo9 said:
I think the reasoning is the 3rd row takes some storage space... and it is pretty much useless for anything but small children.
Click to expand...

not directed to anyone in particular...

The trend of the forum; claiming that the 3rd row is useless. See this way too often here, and sends a false message to future/new owners.

I often had to sit people there, yes, adult, mature, fully grown males. Nobody ever complained. At times they even seem to enjoy the view. Also used it myself, and clearly got out alive.

If someone's friends or family complain when sitting there, tell them to rent a limousine instead. Pretty sure nobody's gonna lift corporate executives back there.
 
Last edited:
05Rrunner said:
Factory third row vehicle and add aftermarket locker is much better move. You get all the factory saftey features and aftermarket lockers have advantages over the factory unit.add the hood if you like. be a better overall fit if you really do need that 3rd row and a locker your going more serious off road and will be adding other aftermarket equipment anyways.
Click to expand...

rydr1 said:
+1 [MENTION=3985]05Runner[/MENTION]. When I was looking, I was advised that the third row is a factory option that comes with all the air bag and seat belt equipment and wasn't offered as a port or dealer option.

You could always install a third row seat, but you won't have the factory side airbags.
Click to expand...

And there's the dilemma. I don't see any need for us to have a 3rd row at all, ever, and what I'm hoping is that she'll discover after a while that I'm right. I won't even insist that she come out and say the words. :D Any advantages to aftermarket lockers aside from 4hi capability?

The lack of side airbags for the 3rd row, were it ever to get installed, wouldn't be a deal breaker, given the rarity of 3rd row occupancy to begin with. Shouldn't be any less safe than my current Taco. I know people don't think crawl control and terrain select are that great, but we'd get more use out of those than the 3rd row. Still appreciate the input! :)
 
INSW20 said:
Any advantages to aftermarket lockers aside from 4hi capability?
Click to expand...

Advantages:
- ARB locker makes the diff a bit stronger (in theory)
- Instant on and off operation
- Works at any speed...4hi (but you should really slow way down to engage)
- Works in 2wd (very handy)

Disadvantages:
- void warranty
- complexity of a compressor + air lines + 12v solenoids

Many people have problems with the air lines and compressor setup with their ARBs, but I think it is almost always an install issue. It takes some time to set it up properly and route the lines in an appropriate way. If you have leaks, they must be fixed. The compressor should never need to cycle while the locker is on....
 
not to mention, i think the non-locker diff are 8.4" and locker diffs are 8.0" so essentially u might have a stronger rear with an sr5 then add the arb locker
 
adam2562 said:
not to mention, i think the non-locker diff are 8.4" and locker diffs are 8.0" so essentially u might have a stronger rear with an sr5 then add the arb locker
Click to expand...

Same 8.2" rear with or without locker. Rear was upgraded to 8.2" from 8.0" in 2010 model year. 8.4" is the Tacoma.
 
wfo9 said:
Advantages:
- ARB locker makes the diff a bit stronger (in theory)
- Instant on and off operation
- Works at any speed...4hi (but you should really slow way down to engage)
- Works in 2wd (very handy)

Disadvantages:
- void warranty
- complexity of a compressor + air lines + 12v solenoids

Many people have problems with the air lines and compressor setup with their ARBs, but I think it is almost always an install issue. It takes some time to set it up properly and route the lines in an appropriate way. If you have leaks, they must be fixed. The compressor should never need to cycle while the locker is on....
Click to expand...

can you expand on the theory of how the ARB strengthens the diff? i have simply never heard that before, just curious. :) that and the 2wd capable would be the main selling points, since i'll typically know ahead of time if i'm going to be locking.

great information! i guess my main attraction to the e-locker is it functions exactly the same as my truck, and there's no extra equipment/wiring/hoses to install.
 
[MENTION=121908]INSW20[/MENTION], if you wife wants a 3rd row, and you can swing it by not giving it to her, then so be it, you do not need our support.

Or if you give her the 3rd row, and she will let you spend tons of money on mods (lift, tires, roof racks, fridge, bumper, winch etc...), then it may be better off to let her have the 3rd row.

Retrofitting a Trail or TRDpro with 3rd row is very much a "non-starter" for most people, due to the fact that "most" will not want to go that route, hence, the market is small, product choice is less, prior experience on such mod is "rare". I looked extensively into it, and ended up with a SR5. I'd loved to get an Inferno TRDpro, but the 3rd row was a deal breaker. I don't use or need that 3rd row *most* of the time, but when I do (once or twice per year), I DO; otherwise, we'd need to drive 2 cars on trips for hundreds of miles, and that make the trips "not happening".

Well, to each his own. :guitar2:
 
INSW20 said:
can you expand on the theory of how the ARB strengthens the diff? i have simply never heard that before, just curious. :) that and the 2wd capable would be the main selling points, since i'll typically know ahead of time if i'm going to be locking.

great information! i guess my main attraction to the e-locker is it functions exactly the same as my truck, and there's no extra equipment/wiring/hoses to install.
Click to expand...

Here is a decent explanation:
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8M_Vzn7Ugs4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

FWIW, I have e-lockers on one rig and ARB air lockers on my 4runner. Only real difference is flipping a switch rather than turning a dial (for me). Air actuates faster for me without needing movement and sometimes my e-locker wants me to roll a bit before it catches or releases. Really not a big difference in use tbh.
 
INSW20 said:
can you expand on the theory of how the ARB strengthens the diff? i have simply never heard that before, just curious. :) that and the 2wd capable would be the main selling points, since i'll typically know ahead of time if i'm going to be locking.

great information! i guess my main attraction to the e-locker is it functions exactly the same as my truck, and there's no extra equipment/wiring/hoses to install.
Click to expand...

The locker itself replaces a large portion of the diff internals. The gears are forged race quality... Also, ARB has 4 spyder gears where most diffs only have 2. Overall, the parts it replaces are significantly more stout.

However. most diff failures I have seen are usually the ring and pinion or axle shaft related. It won't help much there (besides providing the mounting surface for the ring gear). Overall the toyota 8.2 elocker is pretty strong. The ARB equipped 8.2 can be a little stronger, but only if installed and working properly.

I know a few guys that have e-locker(rear) and ARB (in the front) and some complain about the e-locker saying it is slow to engage... On the other hand, I know people who have had ARBs that think they are unreliable. But each time I probe those guys I find out it was a used unit or they never had the air supply hooked up properly, or the install was sloppy....

If you are getting an ARB, I recommend an East Coast Gear Supply fully assembled 3rd. They do them all day long and know how to do it right.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

No members online now.
Total: 386 (members: 1, guests: 385)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,304
Messages
3,554,041
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top