E-locker debate

[96LTDrus]

I was jazzed when I bought my truck that was e-locker equipped, and for future resale it is a big plus as well.

However, as someone who mostly uses the truck for getting to hiking trail heads and camping sites on unimproved roads in the Midwest and out East, I have yet to actually need it. It's more of a peace of mind type thing, where if I get stuck in 4wd, I have that extra ace up my sleeve (that may or may not help). For the folks using these are serious offroaders/rock crawlers, the e-locker is a much more used and relevant thing. I have to remember to engage mine once a year just to make sure things don't rust up from dis-use.

The ONE time I actually 'needed' it, I was driving up my gf's grandparents driveway and the left side of the truck was on sheer ice. Now I could have backed down and driven around the patch of ice, instead I engaged the locker and drove right up! I was trying to convey to my gf just how cool it was, she just rolled her eyes at me, and rightfully so LOL

 

[the great him]

if money is no option then forgo the Elocker and just buy the cleanest 4runner you can get your hands on and install an ARB. its a much stronger locker, and has a better backed warranty(ask me how i know). also it will open up the market for you, and give you more options if you ever blow a rear end... -you can replace the rear end in a pinch with any 8" toyota 3rd member, but if you have a Elocker you will need a Elocker rear end and those are not cheap. i think the cheapest i have seen one sell for working is $650... an ARB is $1500 brand new installed about the same cost as new Elocker, but that does not cover the modifications for your rear axle to accomidate the Elocker and the wiring of the locker. expect closer to $2000-2200 to have a shop retrofit you 4runner to the Elocker(including cost of locker). i have seen ARBs sell for as low as $400 used. still i think the ARB is a better unit. it engages faster and easier, as well as disengaging. the ARB will also give you the option of having on board air.

 

[MTD]

And don't rely on the ads to find what you're looking for- get to know what you want so you can better spot it, sellers don't always know what they've got.

That's how we ended up with a 99 Highlander edition manual trans w/locker for a very nice price. Guy didn't know what he had...

This! When I bought my 2000 I got a 5speed with a locker, factory leather, superchager, and less than 85000 miles for 9k which in my opinion was a steal. After I started talking to them when I sent my down payment (bought it within 2 hours of it being listed) they realized they screwed up but it was too late :bounce:

 

[mxer]

Then don't sweat it. Get a truck in good shape, and then learn as you go. Don't worry about the multimode (hint: you don't need it) or the elocker (you can add it later). Just get a nice truck and go get it dirty.

Money is no object so why not get the most bang for you buck? If you are going to do a lot of commuting on roads in the winter it's really nice.

 

[MTD]

One thing I can say is GET ONE WITH MULTIMODE if you drive in winter. It is probably the best feature toyota has ever had in thier vehicles! Keep in mind that most people on here are from warm climates where they never use it, but if is snows at least 2 times a year were you live it is absolutely worth holding out for one.

 

[BrandonF]

if money is no option then forgo the Elocker and just buy the cleanest 4runner you can get your hands on and install an ARB. its a much stronger locker, and has a better backed warranty(ask me how i know). also it will open up the market for you, and give you more options if you ever blow a rear end... -you can replace the rear end in a pinch with any 8" toyota 3rd member, but if you have a Elocker you will need a Elocker rear end and those are not cheap. i think the cheapest i have seen one sell for working is $650... an ARB is $1500 brand new installed about the same cost as new Elocker, but that does not cover the modifications for your rear axle to accomidate the Elocker and the wiring of the locker. expect closer to $2000-2200 to have a shop retrofit you 4runner to the Elocker(including cost of locker). i have seen ARBs sell for as low as $400 used. still i think the ARB is a better unit. it engages faster and easier, as well as disengaging. the ARB will also give you the option of having on board air.

I second this. If money is no issue, install an ARB down the road if you feel you want a locker. I installed an elocker axle into my 98 5spd 4x4 and wired it up. I have been having nothing but problems with it engaging and disengaging. It's a little embarrassing getting to the trailhead and having to crawl under my truck and engage the locker with a screwdriver because it won't engage on it's own.

 

[Kmurt]

Kmurt....what 02SE said (about icey roads), I have heard others say that also. Also for locker clarification, my Aussie locker is torque driven, which basically means that if I am on the gas, my rear end is locked. An E-locker or Air locker is activated by the push of a button, so there is more user control. Torque "lunchbox" lockers are inexpensive, Electric and Air lockers are more expensive. It really just depends on your needs and preference. Research the lockers and see which suits you best.

Thank you for the information. I would definitely lean more towards a "push button" locker.

Then don't sweat it. Get a truck in good shape, and then learn as you go. Don't worry about the multimode (hint: you don't need it) or the elocker (you can add it later). Just get a nice truck and go get it dirty.

That's great advise. I just want to make sure I'm getting the best of the best and not leaving anything out. I don't want to end up buying a vehicle and later saying.."man I wish I would have got this or that the first time."

if money is no option then forgo the Elocker and just buy the cleanest 4runner you can get your hands on and install an ARB. its a much stronger locker, and has a better backed warranty(ask me how i know). also it will open up the market for you, and give you more options if you ever blow a rear end... -you can replace the rear end in a pinch with any 8" toyota 3rd member, but if you have a Elocker you will need a Elocker rear end and those are not cheap. i think the cheapest i have seen one sell for working is $650... an ARB is $1500 brand new installed about the same cost as new Elocker, but that does not cover the modifications for your rear axle to accomidate the Elocker and the wiring of the locker. expect closer to $2000-2200 to have a shop retrofit you 4runner to the Elocker(including cost of locker). i have seen ARBs sell for as low as $400 used. still i think the ARB is a better unit. it engages faster and easier, as well as disengaging. the ARB will also give you the option of having on board air.

I don't ever want to think of ever blowing out a rear end lol. Would installing a locker "weakin" the rear end more? I really like the idea of push button lockers though.

 

[the great him]

No it won't weaken a rear end. Intact the arb is a differential/case than the stock/elocker. So you would be upgrading two fold. Also you would be able to go back to stock at any point. With a elocker you are stuck with a elocker. The axle housings are different, and not interchangeable. With the ARB you can go back. ARB is hands down better. The only other locker I'd consider is the TJM air locker

 

[Brilliant]

One thing I can say is GET ONE WITH MULTIMODE if you drive in winter. It is probably the best feature toyota has ever had in thier vehicles! Keep in mind that most people on here are from warm climates where they never use it, but if is snows at least 2 times a year were you live it is absolutely worth holding out for one.

This.

I'd get a late model with MM Auto, sport model if possible. Its all around the best looking and best place to start in my mind.

You can add an elocker or ARB later if you want it. If you dont have a locked truck or a 4WD truck today, you're probably not going to places you want/need a locker. Many 4WD vehicles dont have lockers and get by just fine.

That said, I use my locker often because its there and it makes things way easier. Its more about not getting stuck or f-ing around than needing it. I just want to get through the tough spot and move on.

Now, many would say I have the holy grail of 3rd gens ....

Holy grails, those of us with locked MM autos don't say it, we know it. ::

 

[04rnr]

Its kind of like a weapon, Id rather have one, and never need it, than need one and not have it. lol
ok maybe not to that extreme but ya get my point

 

[Kmurt]

Definitely a lot of options. I think the best bet for me is to look for one that's in all around great condition with a good price, whether it has a locker or not. You guys are right, I can add it down the road anytime I want. I do like the fact that the later Limited models had heated seats in them vs the older ones, although that's not a deal breaker because I'm perfectly fine with cloth seats.

How can I tell if the 4runner has the MM transfer case or not?

Thanks for everyone's responses. I enjoy drooling over most of the build threads on here. Hope to have one, one day.

 

[Brique]

Also keep in mind that the 01-02s have atrac, which isn't as hard core as a locker, but it's better than no traction aid and has the added advantage of working onroad and off-road alike.

 

[AZ4Running]

I have a 97 sr5 v6 auto and no locker. I am newer to wheeling and dont do anything crazy like climbing huge rocks. I do however get into some soft sand, mud and climb/desend steep rutted hills. So far there is nothing 4low in 1st gear, the correct line and a good right foot hasnt got me out of or up, I also dont try to push the limits. A rear locker would be nice as they help out a lot but not really needed imo so far. Just buy a good v6 4x4 4runner at a good good price and good condition. If it does not have the locker a simple cheap fix is an aussie locker. When I really feel I need a rear locker Iwill just do the aussie locker.

 

[Zbaldo]

I agree about the multi-mode transfer case to be on the higher end of the list because you can't add that later down the road. I kind of wanted leather but it seems that most of the leather seats had rips on the bolstering. Some obstacles can be done with open diffs but require momentum which may cause body damage at times, a locker gives you the option for non-violent maneuvers around obstacles.

MultiMode can be detected with a separate switch somewhere on the dash, the center diff lock button (must not be mistaken for an elocker).

 

[mxer]

multi mode transfer case

check out the buyers guide

01-02 all models
99-00 limiteds only

 

[mxer]

MultiMode can be detected with a separate switch somewhere on the dash, the center diff lock button (must not be mistaken for an elocker).

That's not it.