E-locker swap help needed

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NM4Runner231

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I have a 96 4runner limited, auto, 4WD, 4:10 gears, and will be doing a swap from a wrecked 97 4runner SR5, 5 speed, 4WD with 4:10 gears I purchased for $750. My question/concern is, will everything associated with the e-locker from the 97 manual trans vehicle go into my 96 auto trans vehicle? Also, will I be able to use the e-locker function in 2WD and 4HI options; if not, how do I modify it to run in all ranges? Your help (and advice/tricks on making it easier) in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Mike
 
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IMO experience doing this swap into my '01 4Runner you will be capability and money ahead if you grab the axle and 3rd member. Then order the wiring harness from Low Range Off Road. It will allow you to use the locker whenever you want to and is much easier to wire up because it is a finished harness.
 
E locker has no racial bias towards auto or manual. But given current events, wouldn't be surprised if it decided to protest once in an auto.

I almost bought that 97 ( I'm in Rio rancho). That old man loved that thing!

Definitely take tx_shooters advice and do the aftermarket wiring and swap whole axle. I might consider doing axle seals while you have it apart as I recall he said that t4r had 360,000 miles
 
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R U sure you have 4.1 gears? Never heard of an automatic with that, usually they have 4.3 but maybe because it's a '96 they did that in the first year.
 
He was definitely heart broke after he wrecked it. I spent a couple of hours at his house, he's a really nice man, and the original owner (he even had the original window sticker). He still has to put the front struts back on next week (he took the Bilsteins off and is putting them on his 2000 4runner) after that, I can haul it out of there.
As for the 97, I thought it would be a direct swap using all the wiring harness and such from it. What advantage does Low Range Off-road's harness have over the one on the 97? If it's a better one, then I'll definitely go with theirs. Although I'm still not sure exactly what harness I'll need and what is already in my 96. I did see a bundle of zip-tied wires behind the driver side kick panel the other day, so I'm assuming that they're associated with the e-locker, had my vehicle come with one from the factory. Also, I would like to give my 96 a little more body lift and a spring upgrade (the rear springs sag a little to much), any suggestions?

Thanks for the reply,
Mike
 
I checked with Toyota today (used info off my build sticker and my axle code: A/TM A03A) and it has 4:10 gears. I also spoke with Sonoran Steel in AZ (they build custom Toyota trucks and 4runners) and they said if it would have come with a factory e-locker, then it would have come with 4:30 gears.
 
You'll need to do the spin test...

Worst case, you swap the front diff also, since you have a complete parts truck.

-Charlie
 
I would do the Low Range harness because it will allow you to use the locker in 2WD, 4Hi, and 4Lo. The factory setup will only for 4WD use of the locker. The only visual differences will be the locker switch is different and the locker light will not come on in the dash. Neither of which bother me but YMMVIDGAF.
 
tx_shooter said:
I would do the Low Range harness because it will allow you to use the locker in 2WD, 4Hi, and 4Lo. The factory setup will only for 4WD use of the locker. The only visual differences will be the locker switch is different and the locker light will not come on in the dash. Neither of which bother me but YMMVIDGAF.
Click to expand...

There is a way to use the factory harness and still be able to engage the lock in 4Hi and 2WD. You just have to do some re-wiring. Someone has a write-up about it on here somewhere.

To OP, don't trust the codes or Toyota. The codes are wrong. Easy to do the spin test. Jack up one wheel, spin it 20 times and get your friend to count how many times the driveshaft spins. Divide by 10 and that is your ratio.
 
Lots of people have done this swap and even have great write ups on it. I have one on my old 3rd gen build I'll try to find and link to you.
Here was a build I followed when I did mine. My setup could lock in 2wd/4wd/anything.

http://4runners.org/writeups/elocker/
 
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Oh.. so you are the one who bought that truck. I contacted the owner in NM but he wants the entire truck be gone. With that miles, I know the engine is not good. Trans 5 speed probably needs a service/bearings and the drive line too. I just wanted the axle. He said someone is coming to take a look at it.

The truck you bought has 4:10 ratio. Any 5 speed 4runner with factory locker has 4:10 ratio. It should be a direct swap, but use your control arms. I remember the seller said he replaced the rear axle bearings so don't even worry about it (but check for any free play). Use the wire harness made by Lowrange as suggested by TX-Shooter.
 
Mark_BC said:
There is a way to use the factory harness and still be able to engage the lock in 4Hi and 2WD. You just have to do some re-wiring. Someone has a write-up about it on here somewhere.
Click to expand...
Gray wire mod: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/46404-grey-wire-mod-4runners.html

Although it's not gray on a 4Runner, just on a Tacoma. You cut and ground one wire behind the driver's side kick panel and it will now engage in all 3 modes. It was the first mod I did to my '99 5 spd, took all of 10 minutes.

To OP, don't trust the codes or Toyota. The codes are wrong. Easy to do the spin test. Jack up one wheel, spin it 20 times and get your friend to count how many times the driveshaft spins. Divide by 10 and that is your ratio.
Click to expand...

My '99 is a factory 5 spd elocker, and it has 4:30 gearing. I would agree, no point in trusting the sticker, do the spin test. Don't wait until you get it all together and try 4WD to see if the ratios are not the same.

BTW those front diffs are a PITA to swap. For some reason I thought they'd be easy. Not at all. Swapping the entire rear axle is easy in comparison.
 
tx_shooter said:
I would do the Low Range harness because it will allow you to use the locker in 2WD, 4Hi, and 4Lo. The factory setup will only for 4WD use of the locker. The only visual differences will be the locker switch is different and the locker light will not come on in the dash. Neither of which bother me but YMMVIDGAF.
Click to expand...

12voltguy offers a elocker harness also but way cheaper then LowRangeOffRoad. And he usually has coupons and free shipping. It's what I am running. Plus his switch.
 
tx_shooter said:
I would do the Low Range harness because it will allow you to use the locker in 2WD, 4Hi, and 4Lo. The factory setup will only for 4WD use of the locker. The only visual differences will be the locker switch is different and the locker light will not come on in the dash. Neither of which bother me but YMMVIDGAF.
Click to expand...

Using all factory parts is easy and if you already have a donor vehicle there is almost nothing to buy. All you have to do to have it operate in 2wd and 4wd Lo/Hi is ground one pin. Just did it this morning.

Good writeup - Retrofit Electric Locker
 
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