E-Locker and Differential Breather install, Trail Edition

[Saker]

I also would like to know this. Have been looking all over the internet, and asked toyota and arb directly. No one seems to know.

I would rather not do the e-locker as it seems like it requires hardware store plastic parts. I question the longevity of a mod held together by electrical tape. I'll do it if we have to, it just seems silly that there isn't good data on this question.

My view on this is you are doing this mod to prevent water being sucked into your differential during water crossing which could cost you thousands. The thing is, when you find you have an issue it will be too late.

I never use plastic parts or electrical take tape as you mentioned here.
So, I’ll share how mine was done and the list of parts.
Use quality parts and never look back.

Installed Scuba Mod on Rear Differential & Diff Locker

Cut the hole with a hole punch in rubber plug # 90950-01958, inserted fuel line, routed it, removed OEM one-way valve from differential, disconnected the 1/8” breather line from the diff locker, connected those to the fittings on the “tee” .

Parts Used:
(1) 90404-51026 Toyota 1/4" Fuel Line Union
(1) 1/8" NPTF Brass Tee
(1) 1/8 X 1/8 HB Male Adapter (1/8" Hose ID X 1/8" Male NPTF Adapter)
(3) 1/4 X 1/8 HB Male Adapter (1/4" Hose ID X 1/8" Male NPTF Adapter)
(1) 1/8" Brass Pipe Plug
(1) 1/4" Brass Pipe Plug
(1) 2 Port Manifold with Filter
6' of 1/4" Fuel Line
Hose Clamps to fit.
Aluminum Bracket fabricated: I made mine out of a piece of 1/8" thick aluminum cut to size, bead blasted it and marked & drilled the holes.
Brass machine screws, washers (flat and lock) and nuts to attach manifold to bracket.
Mounted in the Bottle Jack Compartment with 1/4” SS cap screw, flat, lock washer and nut.

 

[Rapier4]

I was able to do both runs down the drivers side and into the engine bay. I had maybe 6" to spare after both. I went with a 1/8" to a 1/4" barb on the e-locker tube and ran them side by side.

The kit comes with just under 10m of tubing, so something like this Amazon.com: LYM 10M 32.8ft 8mmx5mm Pneumatic Polyurethane PU Hose Tube Pipe Black (8x5mm) is the same size a just a bit longer than what comes w the kit if you need moar.

Is this the type of fitting you put into the e-locker hose? I am assuming you just pulled off the one-way breather cap, pulled out the "connector" in the tube, put the barb into the e-locker OEM hose and then screwed in the shark bite? I want to do two lines (one for the diff, one for the e-locker) with the ARB kit and am doing the research so I dont start and end up needing parts. Thanks!

 

[Coyotegray]

Has anyone every actually found water in the axle? My question is basically this: Toyota axles have used the same system for 50+ years and have not opted to locate the breather up higher. And this includes all the Asian trucks and SUVs that spend a lot of time in the water. I've done breathers on half a dozen toyotas over the years. I'm questioning whether it is necessary or not.

Also just for future folks - bellows type breathers are a good alternative to filters or caps. They will eventually wear out, but they maintain a closed system and it really doesn't make any difference where you mount them. No need to run hose all over the place or drill holes. Just tuck up along the frame rail somewhere protected.

I did the ARB kit years ago and I'm about to inspect it. I also have a bellows I came across after. I think I'll install the bellows and see how that works out.

 

[Gclark949]

Thanks. I broke down and ordered the ARB kit. I've had the truck three months and have already gone through several water holes at least a foot deep so I'd better get this done. I thought about a tee connection between the e-tube and diff line to one line up front but some folks on other threads had concerns about diff oil vapors getting into the e-locker and mucking it up. I'm thinking I may run two lines just to be safe.

I recently used the Tee approach to join the E-locker and Diff Housing together and ran common line to the fuel filler door area. Now, I am paranoid about the oil vapors getting into the electronics so I think I am going to undue the Tee and run a smaller line for the E-locker. The differential fluid is so stinky when you change it that I am sure those vapors are breathing their way back to the E-locker housing with the Tee.

 

[JC_Offroad]

This write up is great, thank you!