Anyone here with E-Locker on 2WD SR5 from ECGS?

V

virulosity

New member
I have a 2003 SR5 V8 2WD that I was considering selling to get a 4x4, until I noticed they are going for twice as much as I could probably get for mine. After doing some searching, I have narrowed down on installing an E-locking third member from here:

Tacoma Elocker 3rd member

The price seems great! And I get to keep the stock 3.73 gearing which is important to me as I drive the truck on long highway trips.

I tried searching for a write up of the install and some reviews but I haven't been able to find any. Anyone running this setup? Is this a direct bolt on plus some wiring, or do I have to grind the studs like the FJ locker?

Thanks!
 
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virulosity said:
I tried searching for a write up of the install and some reviews but I haven't been able to find any. Anyone running this setup? Is this a direct bolt on plus some wiring, or do I have to grind the studs like the FJ locker?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

youll have to grind the studs and I think notch the axle housing, definitely not direct bolt on. also def. get the solid pinion spacer
 
I wouldn't do it. I've had 2wd trucks, and they're great for scooting around town but suck when you want to use them like a truck. I don't know what you use your truck for, but if you don't need 4wd then a brand new elocker is a waste of money, and if you do need 4wd then a brand new elocker is really a waste of money.

Save up for the 4wd truck you want. If you're handy with a wrench, or willing to learn, consider a 3rd gen or earlier and invest your extra scratch you'll save in a locker for that. Much more bang for the buck.
 
lockers ensure engagement. where over time an LSD which has clutches that wear out over time and abuse will need to be rebuilt. zooperman if your interested in doing this I posted a how to maybe 2 years ago on what is needed and what I used to add the e-locker. also if you'd like to convert you truck to 4wd it shouldn't be that difficult. you need the front and the transfer case at minimum. in you case I'd first see if the wiring is in your truck for the selector switch and if not I'd get an fj transfer case so it works off the shifter to engage it but you will need to modify your console. any questions call me 609-709-1163
 
believe it or not now that I have the e-locker I use my 4wd less but I usually offroad in 2wd then if needed ill engage my elocker if I still can't get out ill switch to 4wd or all wheel drive then if I really need it ill lock the center diff.
 
virulosity said:
I have a 2003 SR5 V8 2WD that I was considering selling to get a 4x4, until I noticed they are going for twice as much as I could probably get for mine. After doing some searching, I have narrowed down on installing an E-locking third member from here:

Tacoma Elocker 3rd member

The price seems great! And I get to keep the stock 3.73 gearing which is important to me as I drive the truck on long highway trips.

I tried searching for a write up of the install and some reviews but I haven't been able to find any. Anyone running this setup? Is this a direct bolt on plus some wiring, or do I have to grind the studs like the FJ locker?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I picked up my 2003 V8 4x4 SportEdition for $8700 about 8 months back. It had 168k miles, but has been problem free and was in beyond great condition with all original VIN stickers (no accidents). Keep searching, or get a 3rd gen 4x4, you can find one.
 
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Maybe I will keep searching. My truck is great, but I got stuck in some mud a few times and it ruined my weekend. I was out in the middle of nowhere with no support vehicles and I don't want to go through that again. I am confident that if I had a locker, I wouldn't have got stuck. If I sell my truck for a 4x4, I get worse gas mileage, spend at least $4k in price difference and $1-2k in taxes/registration. $700 seems like a pretty good deal to me. I don't intend to do rock crawling or intense 4wheeling, just want to get where I need to go on some unimproved roads that get washed out every winter.
 
Wouldn't it be easier to just install the ARB rear air locker? That way there is no modifying and grinding of the shell?
 
could do that but it comes down the preference, I chose the elocker because I got It for 500.00. and it was complete. I don't like air lockers because I've had friends that have used them and over time had air leaks. on another note you could buy a spartan or an Aussie locker they are cheap and work well.
 
I drive the car daily, so an automatic locker isn't really an option. I would be spinning the truck around in no time. The ARB is nice, but it's out of my price range, and I hate all the added complexity of the air system. It seems so unnecessary.
 
bolantej said:
Could one just get a winch and a winch anchor to help themselves out of sticky situations?
Click to expand...

For the price of a bumper + winch + recovery tools it is comparable to the cost of a locker if not more.

If you want to get out and setup a winch all the time, go for it. I would consider the winch the last line of defense though, a locker helps you through everything.
 
So, there isn't a way to mount a winch on a stock truck?
Inv4drZm said:
For the price of a bumper + winch + recovery tools it is comparable to the cost of a locker if not more.

If you want to get out and setup a winch all the time, go for it. I would consider the winch the last line of defense though, a locker helps you through everything.
Click to expand...
 
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