has this horse been beaten to death yet?

[ddnww]

air locker vs e locker

I have never used one and don't know much about the different options besides the fact that I believe I need one and want one.

I do quite a bit of offroading and am constantly trying to push the limits of capability.

My cocerns and questions are in regards to:

price
reliability
ease of install

I like the fact that my 4runner is very reliable and want to keep it that way.

I didn't find this discussion exactly and if I missed it I apologize, just point me in that direction.

Thanks for any input.

 

[Wingman707]

Yep, Dead horse

I just did this search last night. Check out this link. A lot of great info.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/127220-lockers-v8-full-time-4wheel-drive.html

 

[BlackWorksInc]

For the most part when it comes to aftermarket E-Lockers vs. Air Lockers it sorta breaks down like this:

Air Lockers:

+ Cheaper than most E-Lockers
+ Mechanical vs. Electronic

- Installation requires drilling/cutting most of the time
- Air Leaks tend to result (often from improper installation/poor hose routing)
- Require a secondary air source (i.e. Compressed Air Tank and/or Compressor)

Electronic Locker:

+ Faster engagement than Air Lockers (though air lockers are pretty fast also)
+ Doesn't need secondary air source

- More Expensive than Air Lockers typically
- Installation requires drilling/cutting most of the time
- Requires some understanding of electrical systems for installation

 

[DCGweez]

I was under the impression that E-Lockers weren't really an option. That you could theoretically do it with an axle swap but no one had ever done it?

I'm going through the same research and much of what i've found is that it's possible, not at all practical. I hope i'm wrong as i'd much rather have an E-locker setup.

 

[DCGweez]

[MENTION=66389]BlackWorksInc[/MENTION] any thoughts on what i said, am I missing threads and products that make E-lockers a viable option?


I'm shipping my rear end to Zuk in 3 weeks and need to order parts so any info you can give me is very much appreciated.

 

[nevada]

[MENTION=66389]BlackWorksInc[/MENTION] any thoughts on what i said, am I missing threads and products that make E-lockers a viable option?


I'm shipping my rear end to Zuk in 3 weeks and need to order parts so any info you can give me is very much appreciated.

swapping the E-locker 3rd into a NON e-locker housing is doable, and not terribly difficult.

I do think tho, that the ARB is a stronger unit. depending on tire size, the E-locker should be just fine.

 

[ddnww]

So the options are arb air locker, e locker 3rd gen swap, te 4th gen rear end swap, true trac , zip locker. Am i missing any? What is a selectable? What's the price difference?

 

[nevada]

So the options are arb air locker, e locker 3rd gen swap, te 4th gen rear end swap, true trac , zip locker. Am i missing any? What is a selectable? What's the price difference?

a selectable can be locked in, so both axles turn the same speed, or unlocked, so it acts like an open differential, in some cases, it will act like an LSD.

whereas an auto locker is always "on", based on throttle inputs. if you have the means, selectable is the way to go.

 

[DCGweez]

I wouldn't even know how to find a TE rear end. I couldn't even find a TE 4th gen when i was looking for months.

I'm not in love with ARB but i'm beginning to believe what a lot of people say. It's the best option out there.

I was hoping someone could give me a viable E-locker option but I think just finding the parts would be difficult.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Eaton makes lockers for the 4th gen if I remember right.

 

[DCGweez]

If i'm reading Eaton's info correctly there is no E-locker for the 4th gen. It's entirely possible i'm reading it wrong though.

http://www.eaton.com/ecm/groups/public/@pub/@eaton/@per/documents/content/ct_128302.pdf

 

[BlackWorksInc]

If i'm reading Eaton's info correctly there is no E-locker for the 4th gen. It's entirely possible i'm reading it wrong though.

http://www.eaton.com/ecm/groups/public/@pub/@eaton/@per/documents/content/ct_128302.pdf

My bad, was thinking HARROP

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/164584-elockers.html

 

[DCGweez]

My bad, was thinking HARROP

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/164584-elockers.html

Awesome thanks for the info. I'll call tomorrow. I have a V6 so i'd like to confirm with them that the parts fit with little modification.

Thanks again.

 

[swapmeet]

I called ECGS today about a preassembled 3rd member with air locker ready to drop in. They want $1550 + $250 core.

Reman preassembled elocker is 675 but requires a different axle, a motor(?) and wiring.

Seems steep but maybe it's fair on the air locker.

 

[swapmeet]

I called ECGS today about a preassembled 3rd member with air locker ready to drop in. They want $1550 + $250 core.

Reman preassembled elocker is 675 but requires a different axle, a motor(?) and wiring.

Seems steep but maybe it's fair on the air locker.

 

[t-man]

I called ECGS today about a preassembled 3rd member with air locker ready to drop in. They want $1550 + $250 core.

Reman preassembled elocker is 675 but requires a different axle, a motor(?) and wiring.

Seems steep but maybe it's fair on the air locker.

You can modify your current axle to accept the elocker. It's not overly difficult from the looks of it, but will take a cutting tool that is capable of cutting thick steel, drill press or some sort of jig to drill a couple holes perfectly straight, and some patience and grunt. The motor and wiring harness can be bought new for fairly good price too, or you can go find a motor at a junkyard and hope it still works. Either way, they will be close in price in the end. The arb is dropin, the elocker is a little fab work.

 

[ddnww]

So which is the cheapest option?