Factory Rear Locker

clemson4rnr

clemson4rnr

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Before I get s*** for owning a 2x4 4Runner, know this... I couldn't purchase a 4wd vehicle and still get my company to subsidize the cost (They pay up to 25k for a new vehicle so long as it meets their requirements including 2wd:sobbing: ). So I had to violate my rule of never owning a truck or SUV without 4wd. That being said, they cant keep me from installing anything after the fact.

I doubt installing 4wd now would be cost effective... I assume that would be a $4k PITA? I was thinking a rear locker might be a more appropriate and cost effective step. I don't do any serious off-roading but I go hunting, camping, fishing, etc. which require me to be on some muddy / dirt roads from time to time and I would love an extra sense of security (already upgraded the rubber).

Do y'all think installing a factory rear locker would make a noticeable difference. If so, has anyone ever installed or had the dealer install after the fact? Any thoughts on cost?

Any other ideas I am not thinking of?

Thanks in advance!
 
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clemson4rnr said:
Before I get s*** for owning a 2x4 4Runner, know this... I couldn't purchase a 4wd vehicle and still get my company to subsidize the cost (They pay up to 25k for a new vehicle so long as it meets their requirements including 2wd:sobbing: ). So I had to violate my rule of never owning a truck or SUV without 4wd. That being said, they cant keep me from installing anything after the fact.

I doubt installing 4wd now would be cost effective... I assume that would be a $4k PITA? I was thinking a rear locker might be a more appropriate and cost effective step. I don't do any serious off-roading but I go hunting, camping, fishing, etc. which require me to be on some muddy / dirt roads from time to time and I would love an extra sense of security (already upgraded the rubber).

Do y'all think installing a factory rear locker would make a noticeable difference. If so, has anyone ever installed or had the dealer install after the fact? Any thoughts on cost?

Any other ideas I am not thinking of?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

If they already paid off their part, why not trade it in on a used 4WD version?
 
Because I have to have the same VIN and appropraite odometer reading for them to continue to reimburse me for gas :)

Good thought though... I wish it were the case. I can modify all I want just cant change the vehicle itself for 5 years unless I want to pay them back. (Not high on my list of things I want to do)
 
clemson4rnr said:
Because I have to have the same VIN and appropraite odometer reading for them to continue to reimburse me for gas :)

Good thought though... I wish it were the case. I can modify all I want just cant change the vehicle itself for 5 years unless I want to pay them back. (Not high on my list of things I want to do)
Click to expand...
The locking rear diff for the 2010 only comes on the TE. 2WD gets an automatic limited slip differential, so now you are adding wiring and a new diff... if it's even possible to do a factory swap... to facilitate the electronic locking rear diff. I know ARB was testing an air locker for the 2010. I don't know if that was for the front or rear, TE or otherwise.

:shrug:
 
I would see if the traction control on the rear axle is enough for your hunting trips before investing in a rear locker.
 
clemson4rnr said:
Before I get s*** for owning a 2x4 4Runner, know this... I couldn't purchase a 4wd vehicle and still get my company to subsidize the cost (They pay up to 25k for a new vehicle so long as it meets their requirements including 2wd:sobbing: ). So I had to violate my rule of never owning a truck or SUV without 4wd. That being said, they cant keep me from installing anything after the fact.

I doubt installing 4wd now would be cost effective... I assume that would be a $4k PITA? I was thinking a rear locker might be a more appropriate and cost effective step. I don't do any serious off-roading but I go hunting, camping, fishing, etc. which require me to be on some muddy / dirt roads from time to time and I would love an extra sense of security (already upgraded the rubber).

Do y'all think installing a factory rear locker would make a noticeable difference. If so, has anyone ever installed or had the dealer install after the fact? Any thoughts on cost?

Any other ideas I am not thinking of?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
The cost of putting in a "factory" rear locker would be astromical unless you found a junked one in a boneyard. The whole rear axle assembly is different including the sway bar attach points. Plus the wiring harness and it's probably tied in with the ECU. Not going to happen!

ARB is working on a rear air locker for the sr5/Limited and will be out this summer.You will need an onboard air source for it. I am on their "contact" mailing list when it does come out.
Contact them to find out more details. ARB 4x4 Accessories
 
Thai said:
I would see if the traction control on the rear axle is enough for your hunting trips before investing in a rear locker.
Click to expand...


:iagree:


I'd also consider two other things given you were "given" a $25k head-start:
1) A winch combined with understanding the auto-lsd buton (or whatever they call the button that defeats the throttle intervention of the TRAC system).
2) The factory traction system is pretty amazing and when coupled with a Tru-trac it's even better. A Torsen rear diff works so well because the auto-LSD function optimizes the Torsen (and vice versa). It would also provide seamless, automatic assistance with no worries about remembering to to lock the rear or accidentally leaving the rear locked. The final point is there's no switching, compressor or actuator to fail; it's just there in the background waiting to do it's thing. A couple of 4Runner guys have done it. I used to follow the Nissan Titan a bit. It has a similar traction system and when coupled with a Trutrac many enjoyed great results (even with it's small back brakes and powerful V8). Just a thought....

Read shabaka and nship, they both did it.
truetrac, LSD, ATRAC, TRAC - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum


How much of a difference is there '09-'10? Looking through the parts sites it appears they're the same. If a Trutrac or ARB works on an '03-'09 or FJC it should work on a '10, right? Did I miss something?
 
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Jim Jackson ,pres of ARB USA just contacted me back and said the rear air lockers are out for the SR5/Limiteds as of last week. Part number RD193
They still have to do a test and are not for sale yet. But they have it in house to go in a 2010 4Runner!
Read recent news May 24th....
ARB Air Locker Fan Club | Facebook
The 2010 FJ's , Runners and Prados all have the new bigger rear diffs.
 
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Thanks for the input guys... I didnt realize the rear axle's were so different between the SR5 and TE.

Right now im thinking the best and easiest fix is gonna be the winch. Now ARB just needs to give us a new bumper!

I am interested in the Tru-Trac down the road. Will have to do some more digging on it.
 
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I have my e-locker and 3.73 gears from my 2006 Tacoma and I am considering putting this combo in my 2010 4-Runner someday.

This thread and the Toyota 120 threads never narrow down if the rear diff on a 4x4 4-Runner without factory locker is the 8" or the 8.4".

Does anybody know?
 
I was at the bookstore the other day and one of the off road mags had arb's air locker for the new 4runner in the new gear section. I dont know if anyone was waiting for them to come out, but their lockers a known to be the best.
 
My previous vehicle was a prerunner FJCruiser. I have to say the factory rear diff made a big difference in off road capability. The traction control (LSD) is fine for pavement and snow, but the locker is superior off road. With that experience, I would recommend a rear locker.

I think the ARB solution would be the best way to go from a cost standpoint and is functionally better I think. I believe these can be run off an on board compressor or an air tank. I carry a tank (CO2) now and its great for airing up (or in my case re-seating a tire that I knocked off the rim while aired down.). A tank is quieter and faster than a compressor but adds the hassle of having to refill.
 
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