E-locker swap help needed

[1985taylor1925]

So I went to my local salvage yard today to look for a rear axle, and turns out they have one with around 150k miles with e locker. They want $400 for the whole thing which seems like a decent price.

I don't have the factory locker. So my question is, assuming the gearing matches mine (4:10), is this as simple as putting on the axle and getting the aftermarket harness and hooking it up? Cause if it is that straightforward, I need to replace my rear axle either way so I'm definitely going to do it

 

[Mark_BC]

If it is from an automatic it is probably 4.3. Other than that it's a simple install of the aftermarket harness and switch, from what I've learned. Haven't done it yet but I have the axle.

 

[rkntoy]

So I went to my local salvage yard today to look for a rear axle, and turns out they have one with around 150k miles with e locker. They want $400 for the whole thing which seems like a decent price.

I don't have the factory locker. So my question is, assuming the gearing matches mine (4:10), is this as simple as putting on the axle and getting the aftermarket harness and hooking it up? Cause if it is that straightforward, I need to replace my rear axle either way so I'm definitely going to do it

I know some disagree - but I feel the easiest way is to use the stock parts and just run wire. Grab the axle, 4x4ecu, and switch with as much of the wiring forward from the rear wiring plugs coming off the axle. Easy peasy.

And if gearing is different see if they will throw in the front diff.

 

[1985taylor1925]

I know some disagree - but I feel the easiest way is to use the stock parts and just run wire. Grab the axle, 4x4ecu, and switch with as much of the wiring forward from the rear wiring plugs coming off the axle. Easy peasy.

And if gearing is different see if they will throw in the front diff.

Where is the 4x4 ecu? And why would it need to be swapped?

 

[NWFL4Runner]

I think they are talking about the locker ECU (driver's kick panel). Also, if you are partially wired, you can retain "some" semblance of factory wiring as (at least in mine, which is a 2000), the wires from the locker ECU terminate at the two wiring harnesses (one on the floor, one right above it), so you can just plug the wires from the locker into them. No need to splice at the ECU. I have my wiring diagram at home and can post if you want. The only splice will be the gray-wire/blue-wire mod to run it in 2wd.

 

[1985taylor1925]

I think they are talking about the locker ECU (driver's kick panel). Also, if you are partially wired, you can retain "some" semblance of factory wiring as (at least in mine, which is a 2000), the wires from the locker ECU terminate at the two wiring harnesses (one on the floor, one right above it), so you can just plug the wires from the locker into them. No need to splice at the ECU. I have my wiring diagram at home and can post if you want. The only splice will be the gray-wire/blue-wire mod to run it in 2wd.

I don't have a locker, so I don't think I'll have the wiring. I'm just wondering if I can purchase the axle and aftermarket kit and have everything I need to complete the swap. I don't want to start the project and discover part way through that I need 5 more parts to get it done

 

[rkntoy]

Where is the 4x4 ecu? And why would it need to be swapped?

Retrofit Electric Locker

 

[NWFL4Runner]

I don't have a locker, so I don't think I'll have the wiring. I'm just wondering if I can purchase the axle and aftermarket kit and have everything I need to complete the swap. I don't want to start the project and discover part way through that I need 5 more parts to get it done

Not so fast! Check the Sonoran guide for pictures of what to look for, and see if you have the wiring ends in the driver's side kick panel and behind the dash. Takes 5 minutes to remove everything and check. If that's the case, the swap and wiring is very easy. Check and let us know

edit: The first two pictures (#1, and #2 are what you are looking to find.