Our '87 4R SR5 Honduras Coffee/Missions Rig Build...
- Thread starter Adventure Copan
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Adventure Copan
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Does anyone know if the center column plastic "non-tilt" will work for tilt if you cut out the notch for the tilt handle or is something else different too? Thanks!
flyinhawaiian01
New member
I dunno about the tilt column housing, but good on the locker decision! If you were doing more street driving, then yeah, the e-locker would be a good choice. Since this will be mostly off road, why worry about the rear always being locked! Plus, you don't have to worry about wiring it up and running the cables all over the place!
And driving on the road with the detroit really ain't bad at all, I rarely even know its there, unless one of my tires are underinflated in the back! And you too will know if they are mis-matched! Just about 1-2psi will give you a bang from the rear like you've never heard before!!! Still catches my attention today when I'm low in one tire and pull away from a stoplight with it engaged! It will disengage and literally sound, and feel, like someone bumped into you with an explosive charge!
Scares people at the stoplight too! Had a lady scream when it disengaged once, I seriously thought I ran her over or hit her car! We both stopped, looked at each other, and I said sorry, its just my truck making loud noises again, then sped off!!! :thumb:
And driving on the road with the detroit really ain't bad at all, I rarely even know its there, unless one of my tires are underinflated in the back! And you too will know if they are mis-matched! Just about 1-2psi will give you a bang from the rear like you've never heard before!!! Still catches my attention today when I'm low in one tire and pull away from a stoplight with it engaged! It will disengage and literally sound, and feel, like someone bumped into you with an explosive charge!
Scares people at the stoplight too! Had a lady scream when it disengaged once, I seriously thought I ran her over or hit her car! We both stopped, looked at each other, and I said sorry, its just my truck making loud noises again, then sped off!!! :thumb:
flagbasher
New member
If I recall correctly, the column covers are different in where the screws are.
Just wait for a little bit, they're up on eBay all the time. Both types.
FWIW, I've got an Aussie in my truck, though it's only street driven now. Clicks a bit through turns and will very rarely pop when going from reverse to forward, or when making sudden acceleration/turning changes.
Just wait for a little bit, they're up on eBay all the time. Both types.
FWIW, I've got an Aussie in my truck, though it's only street driven now. Clicks a bit through turns and will very rarely pop when going from reverse to forward, or when making sudden acceleration/turning changes.
Adventure Copan
New member
^^^ Thx guys!
Another question. I just read that it's bad to haul heavy loads with a Aussie or Detroit as it puts a strain on the axle. I fully intend on hauling heavy loads regularly so now I'm concerned. Any thoughts? Thanks!
Another question. I just read that it's bad to haul heavy loads with a Aussie or Detroit as it puts a strain on the axle. I fully intend on hauling heavy loads regularly so now I'm concerned. Any thoughts? Thanks!
flyinhawaiian01
New member
I doubt the load you put in the 4runner would be too much for the stock axles with a detroit locker, unless you're hauling lead rods in there!
The issue would be having a REALLY heavy load in the back while driving on pavement, turning while its locked will cause the back tires to chirp, which relates to a snapping action with the rear axles. That loading/unloading of the axles could eventually snap an axle I guess, but you'd have to really be doing something dumb, like trying to burn out with a super heavy load in the rear while going around a corner!
Just treat that gorgeous 4 runner of yours with respect when you're hauling a load on asphalt and you'll be just fine!
The issue would be having a REALLY heavy load in the back while driving on pavement, turning while its locked will cause the back tires to chirp, which relates to a snapping action with the rear axles. That loading/unloading of the axles could eventually snap an axle I guess, but you'd have to really be doing something dumb, like trying to burn out with a super heavy load in the rear while going around a corner!
Just treat that gorgeous 4 runner of yours with respect when you're hauling a load on asphalt and you'll be just fine!
Adventure Copan
New member
Not gonna haul lead
... But good chance I'll be hauling 250-1000lbs at various times in coffee/fertilizer/equipment/etc. I may tow a 4x6 trailer at times as well.
... But good chance I'll be hauling 250-1000lbs at various times in coffee/fertilizer/equipment/etc. I may tow a 4x6 trailer at times as well.
flyinhawaiian01
New member
Naww, I wouldn't worry about that. I've hauled much more than that with mine and never once had an issue with it. And trailers would make it even easier since the vehicle will only see the tongue load anyways.
Adventure Copan
New member
Ok well that's good to know. I think just one final thing. I really do not want to spend $600 on a locker and my understanding is the Aussie is a tad weaker and louder. I'm thinking it's worth the savings of around $300 for those things. Then I could buy the off road lights I want with the difference. Thoughts? Thank you!
flyinhawaiian01
New member
Well, the detroit soft locker is a fully-locking mechanism which has its own beefed up carrier, replacing the stock carrier, whereas the Aussie locker is more of a drop-in unit that uses all the stock parts in the housing.
From what I've read, the Aussie locker should be considered a light-duty, economy locker, and is not meant for anything over 33" tires or regular, heavy abuse.
The Detroit soft locker is a complete carrier and locking mechanism, which has been proven to take lots of hardcore abuse and not complain at all. It should be considered a severe-duty unit meant to outlast the other parts in the axle. Its a buy-it-once-and-forget-it unit.
The bad part about this, is the fact that you'll definitely need a shop to set it up in your third member, whereas the Aussie can usually be done by the owner with just some simple hand tools.
Not trying to talk you out of doing the Detroit, I truly believe its worth every penny, knowing that I can hit any trail I want and never have to worry about it grenading on me. I'd much rather throw an axle in than try to pull the third to get it repaired when I'm out on a trail, miles away from civilization! But, they are expensive to buy and set up, that's just a fact of having one. I think if you pulled the third out yourself, took it to a reputable shop that's familiar with installing toy thirds and lockers, you'll be pretty close to around 900 bucks (~$500 detroit soft locker, shipped, ~$250 installation, ~$50 unforeseen extra parts, bearings, gaskets, etc).
At least its not an ARB! On top of all that, you need a compressor, plus all the wiring and plumbing to the diff! And the electric locker would be almost as expensive as an ARB! :wow:
From what I've read, the Aussie locker should be considered a light-duty, economy locker, and is not meant for anything over 33" tires or regular, heavy abuse.
The Detroit soft locker is a complete carrier and locking mechanism, which has been proven to take lots of hardcore abuse and not complain at all. It should be considered a severe-duty unit meant to outlast the other parts in the axle. Its a buy-it-once-and-forget-it unit.
The bad part about this, is the fact that you'll definitely need a shop to set it up in your third member, whereas the Aussie can usually be done by the owner with just some simple hand tools.
Not trying to talk you out of doing the Detroit, I truly believe its worth every penny, knowing that I can hit any trail I want and never have to worry about it grenading on me. I'd much rather throw an axle in than try to pull the third to get it repaired when I'm out on a trail, miles away from civilization! But, they are expensive to buy and set up, that's just a fact of having one. I think if you pulled the third out yourself, took it to a reputable shop that's familiar with installing toy thirds and lockers, you'll be pretty close to around 900 bucks (~$500 detroit soft locker, shipped, ~$250 installation, ~$50 unforeseen extra parts, bearings, gaskets, etc).
At least its not an ARB! On top of all that, you need a compressor, plus all the wiring and plumbing to the diff! And the electric locker would be almost as expensive as an ARB! :wow:
Adventure Copan
New member
Ok I see your points. I agree do it right the first time, but I don't have $900 to throw at a locker really, so I will either go with the Aussie or not at all likely. I mean the 4R is extremely capable already. Grrrr...decisions! Thank you for your help!
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Adventure Copan
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Adventure Copan
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Adventure Copan
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Adventure Copan
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I already have a large solar panel and I'm curious if anyone has an opinion as the wether I should install it on the roof or not. Would it be overboard since I'm not over landing or would it be helpful to keep the battery charged? There may be some extended trips deep in the mountains where the winch is used regularly and radio playing, lights used, etc. So should I permanently mount on the roof??? Thanks!!
Adventure Copan
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MERRY CHRISTMAS and Happy Birthday Jesus!!!
Here are my favorite two gifts from my bride. A 1992 Star Trek coffee mug and the crew disappears as you pour in hot coffee! Then a delicious coffee chocolate bar.
Blessings from our family to yours! -Kent Family
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 NKJV
http://bible.com/114/isa.9.6.nkjv
Here are my favorite two gifts from my bride. A 1992 Star Trek coffee mug and the crew disappears as you pour in hot coffee! Then a delicious coffee chocolate bar.
Blessings from our family to yours! -Kent Family
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 NKJV
http://bible.com/114/isa.9.6.nkjv
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Adventure Copan
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_ExpeditionMan
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Merry (belated?) Christmas! If you don't mind me asking where did your bride get you that awesome Star Trek mug? My Dad would love something like that.
Adventure Copan
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She got it on eBay! It's very cool or hot!? http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/401041336305 [MENTION=133779]_ExpeditionMan[/MENTION]
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