Estimated cost for locker or limited slip please

[jjdbike]

Hi folks,
I have a 2011 SR5 w/ some basic mods for running the beach.
I regret not holding off for a trail or a model w/ some type of locker or limited slip diff.
I’d always mused, if i win the lottery I’ll install lockers...
I’d really love to have that extra-sure-footedness on off road situations.
At this point I’m seriously considering installing on board air.
I have no idea how I’d get a limited slip diff other than Toyota parts which I’m guessing wouldn’t be cost effective.
The other thing I’d like to explore is, since I’d like to have on board air anyway,
how much would and ARB rear air locker be to pruchase and have professionally installed? Can any of you folks give me some ball park extomates please? I realize shops differ greatly in hourly rate. Perhaps an estimate of shop man hours required?
Any info or help is greatly appreciated!
JD

 

[sn_85]

You don't need a locker for driving on the beach

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk

 

[4RunnerAquasport]

ARB locker is around $1000. ARB CKMA Compressor is $300. Contact Total Automotive Performance in Las Vegas. They had a group buy last year which saved me a few bucks. Hopefully they might work with you and they are doing a GB for the snorkels right now so you never know. ARB doesn't do a lot of GBs though.
As far as installation, do some research to make sure you get someone competent. This is a complicated install for most people and specialty tools are required. I was visiting family in NC last summer, so I went to Raleigh and had East Coast Gear Supply do the work (about $500 for locker install)on the differential. I installed the compressor before hand to save a few bucks on the total job. ARB is not the only company that makes lockers, but I don't what else is available for our 5th Gen 8.2 diffs. East Coast may have other options now, so give them a call. But, research, research, research. It will pay off in the long term. Good Luck!

 

[wild_turkey]

My rear locker install was $750. I miss east coast prices! I wanted the trail also but opted for the 3rd row and to add the air locker. Best of both worlds now. Good luck.

 

[johnbt]

I spent last week in Nags Head and finally got to drive my 4-month-old Trail Premium on the beach. I first started driving the Outer Banks' beaches in the late '70s.

The first day I tried what I thought was 18 psi in the factory Bridgestones and had a little trouble on some of the steeper, deeper, torn up ramps. Okay, so my old, accurate flex-tube gauge was broken and when I used a cheap stick gauge I found I was at 22, 23, 24 & 23.5. Duh.

Day two. Dug the ARB deflator out of the storage bin and got serious. Also paid the $120 for the Park Service 12-month ORV beach pass.

With 18 psi I went everywhere I pointed the truck with no hesitation, no wheel spin, no drama. This was in 4H with Trac and VSC disabled. Never tried 4Lo, didn't need it.

The last day I dug out my new Viair 400P-A to air up. What a great piece of equipment and worth every penny. No longer will I have to look for a functioning air hose and wait in line to use it.

Having said all that, if you want upgrades get them. It's only money. :wof:

John

P.S. - The second day out I got on the beach at Ramp 2 (Oregon Inlet) and later in the day got off at Ramp 4 (Coquina Beach). Ramp 4 was all chewed up soft deep sand and we watched a new-looking Tahoe (with a nice shiny elevated cooler/rod rack on the back) try to get up the ramp 3 times and he bogged down half way up every time. After he headed off to the flatter Ramp 2 I drove up his tracks, over the 12 inches of sand he'd plowed up with his front tires and over the top like it was wasn't even there. Putt, putt, putt, putt... :zoom:

 

[karmatp]

You have everything you need already.

 

[sinks88]

A-Trac is your friend. It has gotten me out of all but the most nasty spots. Jeep guys are dumbfounded.

 

[BobsTrail]

A locker can help in the sand, but if you get on a slope (off camber) it will slide sideways, like on snow or ice. I don't use my locker much on sand.

 

[Seattle206]

TJM makes an air locker for the 5th gen as well. There isn't any other options out there for the 8.2 between ARB and TJM. I haven't read of anyone ever fitting the oem e-locker neither. You'd need all the wiring and CPU as well.

I had my locker installed with gear oil for a tad under $1500 by a shop highly recommended by ARB's tech department. This place does ARB's fleet vehicles. The install took a day. It's a perk to live 20 minutes away from ARB USA

I wouldn't trust any shop to work my differential. Be sure to do some research before you go for it. I installed and routed the compressor/line myself.

I've had the locker on for 12k miles now and haven't had any issues. Engages every time with a flip of the switch. The ARB unit is also stronger than the stock e-locker. Machined billet vs cast.

 

[Pkniland]

Might want to look at these. I am installing this in my 80; I like the simplicity of an elocker.

https://yotalockers.com/pages/toyota-4runner-all-years

 

[Bumbo]

I got a formal quote from a shop that specializes in gear and axle stuff about 6-8 months ago.

I got the full truck quoted, front and rear, but here is an idea of some of the prices I got...

Labor for front and rear - 14 Hours @ 80/hour $1120
So about $560 per axle assuming its the same amount of work per side.

ARB Locker $960 each
ARB Compressor for Lockers $175 (this assumed I did the install and electrical)
"TOY 8" IFS REV 03> BASIC KIT" Pinion Kit or Bearings? $175
"TOY TACOMA W/O LOCK BASIC KIT" $192 Diff rebuild kit?

Plus other misc like... Locktite, gear oil, axle seals, RTV/Silicone/Cleaner was in the quotation.

My grand total for front and rear was just under 4k...

I got this quoted a while ago and I dont think that included any cost of a ring and pinion for gearing, which I would have did at the time otherwise you really double up on labor.

That should get you in the ball park... not an expert so I could have relayed some of that information incorrectly.

Since then I have started considering other options like a Torsen, Lunchbox, Detroit because I dont really street the truck anymore. Its more of a dedicated trail/desert runner.

 

[JSparky]

For beach running I'd take some traction devices any day over a locker.. something like maxtrax or treds. Spend the saved money on fishing gear or a nice BBQ.

I 2x the Harrop Eaton e-locker, decided to go with those for the 4runner to eliminate those pesky air lines.

 

[Bumbo]

I kinda have to agree for things like beach driving... traction pads are a good start if you are getting stuck and need to self recover.

To be honest I used to get stuck a lot when I first started going to the desert but you eventually learn how to drive on that type of terrain... technique goes a long way and locks are not magic "no-stuck" solution either.

No hard starts and stops.
Try not to stop in deep sand, keep moving, find an area with denser ground or hard-pack.
In sand point yourself downward so you can get moving easier.
Its called an up-hill battle for a reason.
Momentum is your friend... try to maintain it.
Use your gears... control bogging down.
Better throttle control.

These days its rare I have to pull out my traction pads or even use 4WD but I still have both because you never know.

Lockers are still on my to-do list but its because I do wheel the truck and once you get a tire off the ground even a good plan starts to fall apart.

 

[Seattle206]

I thought the Harrop lockers weren't available in the US market? Anyone here have one installed in their 5th gen?

 

[JSparky]

I thought the Harrop lockers weren't available in the US market? Anyone here have one installed in their 5th gen?

Was just talking to these guys a week or two ago, haven't ordered yet but am shortly.

https://yotalockers.com

 

[Pkniland]

I thought the Harrop lockers weren't available in the US market? Anyone here have one installed in their 5th gen?

I just ordered mine for the 80. I cant imagine they wouldnt be available. I have the name and number of the guy at yotalockers, might want to give him a call and ask him about any 5th gen installs.

 

[B Muss]

What is the advantage of air locker over e-locker?

 

[Jeremy556]

What is the advantage of air locker over e-locker?

Faster actuation. Comes with a lot of downsides, too.