Just a basic rear locker question
- Thread starter Falls
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Thai
Elite Member
Falls said:
I am no expert, but from what i have been reading, it is EASIER to buy ARB locker (with optional air compressor...highly recommend!) and installing it. For one, the ARB locker supposedly makes the differential stronger than stock. From what i understand, the factory E-locker is NOT as strong as a stock diff with ARB locker. The price difference between the two is probably small...and probably cheaper if you went the ARB route unless you can find a E-locker at a junkyard. And with the ARB, you can get the optional air compressor which is particularly useful to air up tires or to use to power equipment.
So, if you buy an '09 4runner Trail Edition, then yeah, it's great to have an E-locker. However, if you were upgrading the rear diff to a locker, then it is better to use ARB unit.
Last edited:
Thai
Elite Member
Falls said:
Locker would NOT interfere with ATRAC, but it would with VSC. This is not a problem because you should lock the center diff when you off-road anyway. Thus, VSC is usually OFF during off-roading.
ATRAC compares speed differences between two tires on the SAME axle. So, if you lock the rear axle (via locker), then both tires in the rear would rotate at the same speed...so, according to ATRAC/ABS sensors, your rear axle is perfectly fine...thus, it would not intervene.
You just have to remember to lock the center diff BEFORE locking the rear diff, which is what you should do anyway. The same protocol is on my G500...lock center diff first, then the axle lockers.
Some people have put locker in the front differential (on 4runners and Land Cruisers). IMHO, i would NOT do that because IFS is really not made for the stress of a locker. I know that some may argue this point, but i would not be courageous enough to do that. (Remember, if you axle shafts or diff blows, then you are on your own in regards to warranty work.) In addition, with ATRAC still active in the front axle, the need for a locker in the front becomes less important. (Under most off-road circumstances, this ATRAC front + rear locker combo is close to ideal....only if you do a lot of rock crawling, then a front locker would be more useful.)
And, yes, i am trying to get you into an '09 TE!! I am living vicariously through you!
Last edited:
Good Times
New member
retrofitting the elocker from the 09 can be done on an older 4th gen with minimal modifications. I haven't done this because I don't need one (already have arb locker) but I would check to make sure the bolt patterns are the same.
Many 3rd gen 4runner owners installed elockers on non-elocker axles and had to shave/drill/tap the housing before fitting the elocker so I suspect the process will be the same for the 4th gens. I have personally done one for a 3rd gen and doesn't require a lot of work but patience so I'm sure you can easily do it to a 4th gen using the same steps.
As for reliability, I'd say you're better off getting the ARB locker because with the ARB locker you get a solid sleeved spacer whereas the factory one is a hollow version (crush spacer) which has been the culprit on the elockers failing. These crushable spacers just can not handle the abuse which causes the locker to move and ultimately fail. It's still a good locker (just need to change out the sleeve) but at that point you might as well just get the ARB locker (which is a proven item).
Lockers for the front: If you can afford em and can benefit from a locked front, get em. I personally don't have the $$ (surprisingly considering the amount of work I've done to my truck). The front axles and the front diff are much stronger than the previous gen vehicles so the percentage of breaking axles w/ the front locker locked will be greatly diminished. I've yet to hear someone breaking the front axles because of the locker being on and the driving doing something stupid to intentionally break it.
As always if your front is locked you just have to drive carefully. An experienced driver can ensure nothing breaks and successfully traverse the obstacle without any problems.
good luck
Many 3rd gen 4runner owners installed elockers on non-elocker axles and had to shave/drill/tap the housing before fitting the elocker so I suspect the process will be the same for the 4th gens. I have personally done one for a 3rd gen and doesn't require a lot of work but patience so I'm sure you can easily do it to a 4th gen using the same steps.
As for reliability, I'd say you're better off getting the ARB locker because with the ARB locker you get a solid sleeved spacer whereas the factory one is a hollow version (crush spacer) which has been the culprit on the elockers failing. These crushable spacers just can not handle the abuse which causes the locker to move and ultimately fail. It's still a good locker (just need to change out the sleeve) but at that point you might as well just get the ARB locker (which is a proven item).
Lockers for the front: If you can afford em and can benefit from a locked front, get em. I personally don't have the $$ (surprisingly considering the amount of work I've done to my truck). The front axles and the front diff are much stronger than the previous gen vehicles so the percentage of breaking axles w/ the front locker locked will be greatly diminished. I've yet to hear someone breaking the front axles because of the locker being on and the driving doing something stupid to intentionally break it.
As always if your front is locked you just have to drive carefully. An experienced driver can ensure nothing breaks and successfully traverse the obstacle without any problems.
good luck
Thai
Elite Member
Good Times said:
Actually, the other day, i read that many hardcore FJ owners who have put a locker in front do carry extra CVs just in case. There are more than a few owners who have apparently blown the CVs on locked front. Whether these carnage is from stupid driving or stress, i can't tell you.
Here is a thread on FJ on the same topic (IFS + locker): http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/4x4-off-road-tech/75461-ifs-lockers.html
Hope this helps.
Thai
Elite Member
Thai said:
See this thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&postid=371829#post371829
