Bit of a newbish question regarding factory locker

[Mechanic]

Hello,

I'm new to this site and somewhat new to 4runners. As suggested by my name I do work as an apprentice mechanic, but because I've only been working for 3 years and have yet to see more than the 4runner I own now (a 2000 SR5 with V6) and another 99 come into the shop and neither had the factory locker. What my question is, is what type of locker is it, and if I wanted to install the factory locker in my current 4runner, what would I need to do and how much might it cost?

 

[Nelsonmd]

Welcome to the forum. This doesn't directly answer your question, but it will answer alot of them. Start here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/69744-tutorial-documentation-reference.html It's stickied, and too frequently overlooked.

The factory locker is an e-locker. There is an actuator button on the dash. Search here for the "e-locker retrofit" Installing on non-locked vehicles requires wiring, modding the axle housing, and getting a new ECU (if you want fully stock integration). Lots of opinions have been expressed here as to whether it is worth it, or just go for a different aftermarket locker.

 

[the great him]

throwing in an ARB air locker will cost about the same by the time its all said and done... and i think they are a better locker imo

 

[Mechanic]

Wow guys, thanks for the quick replies. Sounds like, after reading through a few articles it might not be worth it for me. I'm not planning on doing any serious wheeling with my runner for some time as it's just in to good of shape right now and getting me too good of mileage. And besides, I'm going to be building a purpose built trail rig this summer out of a AMC Eagle i saved from the retire your ride program. Thanks again for the advice and quick replies.

 

[cj80cruiser]

aussie locker

 

[Mechanic]

aussie locker

Aussie locker?? Forgive me but what is an Aussie locker??

 

[A.Wilson013]

Aussie locker?? Forgive me but what is an Aussie locker??

Commonly known as a lunch box locker.

It's similar to an LSD. When one wheel is losing traction, it automatically clicks in. When you take sharp corners, it clicks in. When you park, it clicks in.

I don't care for them. I like to be able to control things.

 

[cj80cruiser]

Aussie locker?? Forgive me but what is an Aussie locker??

I'll give you the link to the site but it's an automatic locker that allows your wheels to operate independently on road and lock automatically when you need it offroad. While my limited already has the factory e-locker, if it didn't, the aussie is the direction I would go. They do make a ratcheting noise when making sharp turns but Aussie will recommend using a 140 weight dino oil to quieten that down. It's not bad at all.

Home page - Aussie Lockers - Welcome to Torq Masters Home of the Aussie Locker

 

[cj80cruiser]

Commonly known as a lunch box locker.

It's similar to an LSD. When one wheel is losing traction, it automatically clicks in. When you take sharp corners, it clicks in. When you park, it clicks in.

I don't care for them. I like to be able to control things.

Theres no reason to control it....it just does it's job.

 

[Mechanic]

Interesting, I've heard of a similar system (actualy had a look at it) but it was called a Detroit locker. Possibly same thing?

 

[A.Wilson013]

Theres no reason to control it....it just does it's job.

It does do its job off-road, however, it also does its job on-road. I have a friend who had an aussie in the rear. This Saturday we're swapping in an E-locker.

 

[A.Wilson013]

Interesting, I've heard of a similar system (actualy had a look at it) but it was called a Detroit locker. Possibly same thing?

Almost identical.

 

[cj80cruiser]

not even close....I've had an Aussie as well and know of many, many, people that have had them with absolutely no problems on or offroad.

Why is your friend swapping? What does he not like? Does he have a jeep? They aren't the greatest on a really short wheel base or so I hear.

 

[cj80cruiser]

Interesting, I've heard of a similar system (actualy had a look at it) but it was called a Detroit locker. Possibly same thing?

Closer to a Trutrac by detroit....but most ppl I know go with an Aussie over the Truetrac. I can't speak on the Truetrac as I've never owned one.

 

[Mechanic]

Well, I can't say I've had any personal experience with either lockers, although they sound close to the same thing. But I wouldn't want something kicking in and out on me all of the time, even more so because I'm up in Canada and have to deal with ice 8 months out of the year.

 

[the great him]

either buy an Elocker or an ARB if you dont want to spend that kinda money or cash and dont 4wheel enough to justify the cost of them or need the full locker then get a truetrac, its a very aggressive LSD, and will work like a locker off road until you pick a tire up off the ground(then that tire will spin), but you wont have any of the undesirable affects of the locker such as automatically engaging or both tires turning at the same rate around corners ect. guys who have LSDs love them and would never go back, its a night and day difference on the amount of traction gained with no ill side affects. -most of the guys with 2wd runners on here have opted for the truetrac and can keep up with the 4wd guys until the off roading gets serious

 

[cj80cruiser]

Well, I can't say I've had any personal experience with either lockers, although they sound close to the same thing. But I wouldn't want something kicking in and out on me all of the time, even more so because I'm up in Canada and have to deal with ice 8 months out of the year.

I can't remember what the verdict was for the Aussie in icey areas but I think its worth a look into if you want a quality piece that rarely if ever breaks and if you're on a budget. Go to ih8mud.com in the 80s landcruiser section where quite a few ppl are running these. I'm sure atleast some of them have to be from the nothern states.

 

[Mechanic]

You wouldn't know what the true trac would put me out for cash wise would you? Truth be told, until this runner starts getting a bit more on in the years she isn't going to see a lot of serious off road action. So the true trac might not be a bad idea for now.

 

[the great him]

i think around $450 or so

 

[brian2sun]

A TrueTrac is a limited slip - different than a locker and not as good off road. Still better than stock though and LSDs are smooth on road. The draw back is if you lift a tire, it will spin and you'll still loose traction. That may or may not matter to you though depending on if you off road a lot or a little.

Lockers make both tires on the axle turn no matter what. Detroits and Aussies are both automatic lockers, but they are not the same. The Aussie and also the Lockright are lunchbox lockers. They are automatic or "ratcheting", but they just replace your spider gears. The Detroit comes with a stronger carrier and it operates a little smoother but also costs a couple hundred more. But both these styles depend on throttle to lock up and that means you'll feel it when you gas it around corners on road.

Mechanic, I also drive a lot in snow and selectable (elocker or ARB) is the only way to go IMO. I much prefer open diffs on packed snow. And it's nice to be able to turn them on in the deep stuff and on the trail. And selectables are spools when they are engaged so they are either fully locked or fully open. You can still drive on snow with an automatic locker though, it just handles differently and makes the ass end slide out more. But since you mentioned snow, I think you'll like a selectable much better.