So im looking into putting an elocker into my 4 runner... and im not too sure what i will need... do i need to swap the entire housing? the full axle? or what not really worried about wiring just wondering what exactly i need to be looking for... new into wheeling scene. i have a 97 SR5... and do i only need to go with other 3rd gen runner parts or do the tacoma parts work as well for the elocker?
noob help with elocker questions
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cj80cruiser
Senior Member
There is a guy on pirate4x4 that sells a wiring kit for an elocker. I think his name is jkWeb
cj80cruiser
Senior Member
Here's the link Toyota Elocker harnesses - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum
Your non-elocker axle can be used but you'll have to do some grinding. I cant remember where I was looking but there are some good pics of what needs to be cut on the interwebs.
Your non-elocker axle can be used but you'll have to do some grinding. I cant remember where I was looking but there are some good pics of what needs to be cut on the interwebs.
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Ok this helps but I guess I should be more specific... Do I just need an elocker diff? Or can I just add a locker to my diff of course with grinding and whatnot to allow it to fit... Just trying to figure out exactly what I need to buy
cj80cruiser
Senior Member
That's a good question. I have done little to no research on the subject because I have a limited with elocker and so far I haven't had to tear into it. As far as I know you will need the complete elocker 3rd member which will probably come with 4.30 gears.
ha yeah i didnt get that lucky with finding a limited... that woulda been nice though... and all of the tacoma rear axles are the same as the 4 runner axles as far as the elocker goes right?
JWaldz
Moderator
An elocker 3rd (diff) will not fit directly in a non elocker axle housing thus the reason to be retrofitted. It's doable but more for the mechanically inclined. It is easier to find a complete axle with an elocker already in place then either retrofit the wiring or find all the oem wiring parts (elocker ecu, switch, wiring harness, etc..) to make it function as factory as possible. Some of our 3rd gens despite not having a rear locker still came with the plugs for it under the dash. Some didn't. I would advise sourcing these before you decide on the wiring method. Search around and you will find how to locate them if they exist for you. The rear axles of the tacomas are similar, at least the 3rds are interchangeable between ours and theirs. However, since their rear axles are set up for leaf springs it would not be wise to get an entire axle from a Tacoma for a swap.
From experience, I swapped entire axles and retrofitted the wiring. Swapping axles is really easy. It's plug and play. The wiring isn't hard but it's tedious. Here's a guide I made a while back >> How To: DIY Retrofit Elocker Wiring
From experience, I swapped entire axles and retrofitted the wiring. Swapping axles is really easy. It's plug and play. The wiring isn't hard but it's tedious. Here's a guide I made a while back >> How To: DIY Retrofit Elocker Wiring
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aha2988
New member
Erik's Toyota Differential info
everything you need to know about Toyota axles.
To do the retro fit you simply take the gasket for the Elocker third member and place it on the non elocker axle housing. remove the studs on the non elocker housing that do not line up with the new elocker gasket holes. Use a sharpie and mark the new holes that need to be drilled and trace the housing where the metal needs to be removed to allow proper fitment of the third member.
use a 17/64 drill bit and punch out the new holes, followed with a thread tap to reinstall the old studs. As well as you will need to purchase two studs specialized to the elocker that are long enough to bolt through the elocker motor mounting area.
for the wiring you just need two relays and an on/off switch; however, it's nice to add indicator lights to let you know if it's on or off. The locker ECU's and stuff of that nature are just to make it idiot proof.
If your purchasing a factory elocker from someone for the purpose of wheeling it's best to install a solid pinion spacer as the ring gears in those diff's are slightly weaker than the ones found in an open diff. You can get the spacer from east coast gear supply for 30 bucks or so. They also offer a master install kit to rebuild the diff if necessary.
everything you need to know about Toyota axles.
To do the retro fit you simply take the gasket for the Elocker third member and place it on the non elocker axle housing. remove the studs on the non elocker housing that do not line up with the new elocker gasket holes. Use a sharpie and mark the new holes that need to be drilled and trace the housing where the metal needs to be removed to allow proper fitment of the third member.
use a 17/64 drill bit and punch out the new holes, followed with a thread tap to reinstall the old studs. As well as you will need to purchase two studs specialized to the elocker that are long enough to bolt through the elocker motor mounting area.
for the wiring you just need two relays and an on/off switch; however, it's nice to add indicator lights to let you know if it's on or off. The locker ECU's and stuff of that nature are just to make it idiot proof.
If your purchasing a factory elocker from someone for the purpose of wheeling it's best to install a solid pinion spacer as the ring gears in those diff's are slightly weaker than the ones found in an open diff. You can get the spacer from east coast gear supply for 30 bucks or so. They also offer a master install kit to rebuild the diff if necessary.
KidVermicious
New member
Aha's link tells you everything you'll need to know. The only way to not drill or grind is to swap in an elocker housing. Trim level is irrelevant, any housing from any truck will swap.
Offroad_Medic
New member
Since your from Utah I would check KSL regularly! Every now and then you can find someone selling an elocker third or axle for a decent deal.
Yeah I've been keeping an eye out... Trying to find a full axle so it's an easier swap
Offroad_Medic
New member
As was already mentioned just try to get a runner axle since tacos run leafs in the rear. Even then if you found a full tacoma axle i would say get it and just swap thirds.
TheUltimateBohab
New member
yeah i seen one on eBay like 20 min ago....
lexmedic157
New member
My elocker retrofit done a year ago.
FJ Elocker retrofit into 4th gen 4Runner - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum
FJ Elocker retrofit into 4th gen 4Runner - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum
Awesome write up... Looks easy enough
lexmedic157
New member
I'm fairly sure mine is an 8 inch ring gear with 3.73; it came out of an 08 FJ Cruiser, almost direct swap. I know that's the ratio but I can 't remember if it was 8 in or 8.5 in. Been working on too many Tacomas. They have the other size...
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