OEM Locker axle swap?
- Thread starter Victor
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Rock Slide
Senior Member
Yes, you can just swap the entire elocker axle on to your 4Runner. You can then run the wiring and you're good to go.
However, elocker axles come with 4.30 gear ratios. Chances are, you only have 4.10. In that case, you'll need to regear the front too while you're at it.
Here's some links with more info:
1. http://4runners.org/writeups/elocker/
2. http://www.sonoransteel.com/phong/retrofit_electric_locker.html
3. http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/electric_locker/
However, elocker axles come with 4.30 gear ratios. Chances are, you only have 4.10. In that case, you'll need to regear the front too while you're at it.
Here's some links with more info:
1. http://4runners.org/writeups/elocker/
2. http://www.sonoransteel.com/phong/retrofit_electric_locker.html
3. http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/electric_locker/
ChildrenOfBodom
Moderator
Rock Slide said:
I was thinking the same someday, but mines 2WD... no regearing to worry about for the front
figured im stuck with 2WD and a 4 banger, might as well do what I can.
97-4xFunner
New member
Victor said:
Wouldn't mind putting a locker on my runner. how do you tell what the rear ratio is or for that matter front and rear. I am guessing if you have 4.3 in the rear that the front won't have to be changed.
Matt Starr
Banned
Im betting that if you sold your runner and saved that money for the axle swap, you'd probably have enough for either a 4x4 runner or a v6, or even both. Just a thought.ChildrenOfBodom said:I was thinking the same someday, but mines 2WD... no regearing to worry about for the front
figured im stuck with 2WD and a 4 banger, might as well do what I can.
Edit: Ok I just looked up the zip code to your area and found this on autotrader.com. I wish I could go pick this up right now.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...smission=&max_price=&cardist=6&standard=false
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97-4xFunner
New member
I would back ya up on that one Matt. I'm not sure whats up with the peeps trying to 4x in 2wheelers. I could understand if the runner was given to you. The only play I've witnessed in 2 wheel drives with lockers are the guys playing in the dunes. Then they usually have more upgrades(long travel, body kits, etc.).
RedDragonATL
New member
OK, reviving this old thread...
So, my usual shop is telling me that I can't just swap out the axles. I have a lead on a rear axle assembly from a 97 Runner (mine's an '00), with the e-locker. The new axle and my old have the same gear ratio (4.10s). So, am I missing something?
They're not really a Toyota shop, so maybe they just "don't know". Anyone have a link to a rear axle swap walkthrough? I've seen one about a retrofit, but not a complete swap.
Thanks,
Jason
So, my usual shop is telling me that I can't just swap out the axles. I have a lead on a rear axle assembly from a 97 Runner (mine's an '00), with the e-locker. The new axle and my old have the same gear ratio (4.10s). So, am I missing something?
They're not really a Toyota shop, so maybe they just "don't know". Anyone have a link to a rear axle swap walkthrough? I've seen one about a retrofit, but not a complete swap.
Thanks,
Jason
Nelsonmd
New member
Are you looking to swap now, install the locker wiring later? That is doable assuming the locker axle is the same ratio (you say it is), and isn't from a taco (leaf spring on taco, coils on 4runner). Just make sure the locker is in the unlocked position.
RedDragonATL
New member
Hmmm...not sure what you mean...I want them to swap the axle assemblies and then wire up the locker at the same time. They seem to be under the impression they must remove the locker from the old housing and put into mine.
Nelsonmd
New member
Well, if it is a 4.10 locked axle assembly from a 4runner, then it will mechanically fit into your non-locked 4runner, but the wiring gets tricky. I wouldn't be surprised if they don't want to do that.
If they are swapping the whole axle assembly, diff, housing, and axle's, they should be able to do that just fine.
If they are swapping the whole axle assembly, diff, housing, and axle's, they should be able to do that just fine.
B
Bamf_CT2004
Guest
It is very rare to find a 4runner with a 4.10 elocker. I would have them verify that by counting the teeth on the pinion and gear ring. Do not go by axle codes!
But if it all matches up, its a straight swap
But if it all matches up, its a straight swap
RedDragonATL
New member
Well, isn't an "axle assembly" the whole thing...diif, housing, axles? That is what I was assuming. If not, what would the "axle assembly" be? Forgive my ignorance, but I thought I could get off a little cheaper going this route than a new locker.
Why would the wiring be any more difficult than a retrofit? I would think it would be easier...no drilling thru the housing for wiring, etc.
Still confused...
Nelsonmd
New member
Well, yes, but axle assembly isn't exactly a well defined term, just common usage. Just trying to be clear.
And I second what bamf said. 4.10 locked 4runners are rare and axle codes are not reliable.
brian2sun
Elite Member
If the ratios match, the entire axle assemblies can be swapped. Some 4runners come partially pre-wired for an elocker even if they didn't come with one so it may make the wiring easier.
The wiring part of the article in the 4x4wire.com link that Rockslide posted earlier in this thread a few years ago will help.
I'm not sure if the ABS sensors and stuff are the same though, you might want to check on that. Or just leave them diconnected and go without ABS if they are different.
I wouldn't trust that that elocked axle is 4.10. The vast majority of elocked 3rd gens are 4.30. For the new axle, divide the # of teeth on the ring gear by by the # of teeth on the pinion gear to make sure. And do the spin test on your existing axle to confirm your current gear ratio. Post #4 (by Nelson) on this link explains how: Help figuring out Axle type & Ratio - YotaTech Forums
The wiring part of the article in the 4x4wire.com link that Rockslide posted earlier in this thread a few years ago will help.
I'm not sure if the ABS sensors and stuff are the same though, you might want to check on that. Or just leave them diconnected and go without ABS if they are different.
I wouldn't trust that that elocked axle is 4.10. The vast majority of elocked 3rd gens are 4.30. For the new axle, divide the # of teeth on the ring gear by by the # of teeth on the pinion gear to make sure. And do the spin test on your existing axle to confirm your current gear ratio. Post #4 (by Nelson) on this link explains how: Help figuring out Axle type & Ratio - YotaTech Forums
LittleCaesar
New member
They make them. But they are rare. I found one in FL of all places. Pull out the diff from the housing first before buying it and count the teeth. If it is from a GA yard, count them twice.
