E-Locker near me (advice?)

[4BUMR]

Hey guys, always had my '02 and never thought about an E-locker, til one popped up very close to me. https://fortmyers.craigslist.org/lee/pts/d/toyota-elocker-with-430-gears/6729478512.html

I now have a few questions:

1. Is this a decent deal?
2. Does it appear to be in good shape and 100% complete (any parts/pieces missing?)
3. How valuable is it really? I've seen mad love for the E-lockers on this thread but haven't experienced one myself.

Gracias amigos!
-4BUMR

 

[weekendclimber]

You'll need to modify your existing axle housing to fit this. Not sure if you already have 4.30 gears up front, so you might have to change those too. Does it include the ECU, or are you planning on running it without? It looks pretty beat up to me honestly.

 

[Jake2828]

yeah, it looks like it was sitting in a ship on the bottom of the pacific and or Atlantic : (

 

[4BUMR]

yeah, it looks like it was sitting in a ship on the bottom of the pacific and or Atlantic : (

Haha that was my first thought as well. Don't think that would gel well with the relatively rust free undercarriage of Le 4BUMR.

 

[deves2]

First: what kind of offroading do you do? Do you really need a locker? Its my opinion that the hype of having one is just that: hype. Most offroaders, especially 3rd gen 4runners can go almost anywhere without a locker IF you pay attention to the correct lines.
Second: $450 for just the center section is very high. Complete rears are going for that. Yes you might have to wait to find a good deal but they are out there.
Third: there is a lot of work involved in modifying your current diff housing and most on here are not capable of doing it, and if you you cant, then its time to get out your wallet again. Then there is the wiring harness either buy or make your own. again an expense. does your runner already have 430 gears if not then either the front must be changed to match the new rear ration or the rear locker must be changed to match the front. not cheap to do
So in my opinion $450 for just the center section is NOT a good deal (unless you have lots of money to throw away)

 

[Snowden]

Its my opinion that the hype of having one is just that: hype. Most offroaders, especially 3rd gen 4runners can go almost anywhere without a locker IF you pay attention to the correct lines.

Word! I've done well without one thus far. And fakey brakey tricks it too. Although I too am on the hunt for a factory locker... Just not THAT one...

 

[Mark_BC]

Florida has no hills, you don't need one...

 

[tx_shooter]

Lockers are great for more than just hills. I upgraded my '01 4Runner with an e locker last year but I was able to score the locker, housing, and complete front axle for $500. That is the only reason I went that route.

I would not do just the e locker because then you have to modify the rear axle housing and then regear the front axle to match. That is a lot of time and money for an upgrade. IMO if you wanted a locker I would just get a Harrop elocker in the stock axle housing and be done with it. I would not consider this e locker 3rd member a good deal either. I am on the look out for a spare and that is well above what the price should be for just the 3rd.

Now the disclaimer - I am running 4.30 gears with my 285/75/16 tires and getting decent MPG with a lift, front bumper, and rack. My rig is also supercharged though so YMMV.