Proper E-Locker Operation (Question)

[Trailblazer]

Ok guys-
If you saw my Intro in the New Members section you already know I'm a long time Toyota truck guy and I'm looking for a 3rd gen with Multi-mode transfer case and e-locker (meaning a '99 or '00 Limited w/e-locker).

While I've struck out for the last couple of weeks on in the mid-Atlantic region, I have been able to test drive three 4runners with the combo I'm holding out for.
My question is as follows-
In all three of the trucks I've driven, it took moving it forward or backward a good 20'-30' to make the locker engage. Is this normal? I would think it should be able to engage while sitting still. Is this irrational thinking?
My understanding is that you aren't >in theory< supposed to engage until you've lost traction in 4hi. Following these, "rules" you wouldn't be able to move forward or backward to engage the locker because of already lost traction.
In reality, most of us would probably engage before we hit a tricky part on a trail, but I'm thinking more along the lines of a standard snow situation on pavement where you might not want to be driving in 4low or just diff locked (with the gray wire mod) until the need arises.
I'd love to be able to pull the trigger on my new 3rd gen, but don't want to buy one that may have issues with the e-locker. If this behavior ends up being normal for the diff lock, then I will not hold that against the next one I test out.

Also, if anyone sees or hears about a nice, lower mileage '99 or '00 Limited w/e-locker somewhere in the mid to southern east coast area (or slightly inland), I'd love to hear about it! I'm not afraid to travel to find the right one for me. Lower mileage to me means under 130K, but lower is never frowned upon and I have the cash in hand to buy.
Thanks for any help in advance!

 

[rjaudi]

That seems normal. Mine takes alittle bit to engage. I would not use the locker in snow.

 

[shootmymime]

i have an 00 limited like your looking at and it does take a few tire rotations for the locker to mesh gears with its partner on the other side of the axle. it helps to be driving in a loose (not tight) circle so one tire spins faster than the other.
the only time ive used my locker was rock crawling or mudding. you dont need it in the snow, just put it in AWD by pushing the 4wd button or lock the center diff by pulling back on the 4WD lever.

i too have the gray wire mod done to mine.

 

[92-SR5]

I wouldn't think you would have to drive 20-30' for it to engage. What would be the point of the locker if you were stuck and couldn't drive 20-30'? I don't know a lot about the Toyota E-Lockers though. Lockers do get squirrely on snow packed pavement though. You just have to get used to the way a locker handles on the pavement. I drive my 4runner (with a Detroit locker in the rear) up Mt. Hood here in Oregon at least once a week in the wintertime, I never have had a problem.

 

[JamesDean91]

I wouldn't kick the locker on in snow unless your ready for a wild ride just stick with the awd feature....

I either have to turn really sharp to one side and drive like 2 feet and the teeth mesh into each other or if I'm about to do a launch at a stop light in 2low I usually just power break and as soon as one wheel spins the locker catches instantly..

 

[Trailblazer]

Thanks for the info so far, fellas. I'd still like to hear more people chime in so I can figure out how the majority of people think the lockers should operate.
I admit to not having the ability to try out the diff lock on loose ground. Usually on a test drive I'm in a parking lot (asphalt) and I'm moving forward and back in a straight line. It makes sense about having a slight turn to mesh the gears. I'll definitely keep that in mind and at least try to find a gravel lot in the future to accomplish that tip. BUT, I still would think the actuator would be able to engage with a minimum of travel- I wouldn't think the gears are that precise to need that much travel to line up. Just shows how little I know...

I've had a Lockrite in my Tacoma for over a decade (which is why I really want the e-locker option) and feel pretty good in my ability to handle it in snow. Donuts are fun!!

Heck, ever since I installed the Lockrite, I've gone entire medium trails in 2wd and proper lines with barely any tire spin. I can't wait to get my new 4Runner :driving:

 

[mliebal]

Yep, on my 96 4runner with elocker, it takes 20' or so to engage on normal conditions. But on several occasions I got myself in a situation where standard 4wd was not getting me out. I pushed the elocker button (w gray wire mod) and a few turns (spinning) while stuck and it engaged and pulled me out. Sweet! So if stuck and spinning, the spinning will allow the engagement. I dont use the locker in snow, just when hung up!
Its not the physical distance only some revolutions and being stuck seems to ease the time/effort to engage. Once out, I usually dis-engage which takes another 20' to release.
Go for it!

 

[audiness]

My 00 LTD rear locker engages almost instantly, only 1 or less rotation of the rear wheel. Disengaging sometimes takes 6-10 rotations of the rear wheels.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Welcome, OP.

The reason it takes so long to engage sometimes is that the locker collar needs to wait for the splines on both axle shafts to match up so it can slide over them both.

Going in a strait line doesnt help this happen any faster. If you want them to match up faster you need to make them move at different speeds (ie.. turn)

It has never taken more than 5 feet for my locker to engage when I turn the wheels a bit and more forward.


Lastly, if you are willing to drive a bit, mine will soon be for sale in stockish format. (stock plus the sliders, CB, elocker, and tundra brakes)
Its an 02 sport with the multi-mode and rear locker 120k and rust free.

 

[Loubaru]

My 00 LTD rear locker engages almost instantly, only 1 or less rotation of the rear wheel. Disengaging sometimes takes 6-10 rotations of the rear wheels.

Mine is about the same. I've only used it a hand full of times but it usually engages within a rotation or two. Sometimes it takes a little longer to unlock.

I test drove 3 different 4runners with the locker and this one seems to be the quickest. The other 2 I drove were similar to the one you drove where it took a little longer. They both had over 150k miles where mine has ~65k so that may be the difference.

 

[blonde1boarder]

Not sure where I read this, but I believe that the toyota e-locker uses six big lugs for the locking collar so the engagement should only require a maximum of a 60 degree change between the to sides for the locker to engage.

 

[Dous]

Not sure where I read this, but I believe that the toyota e-locker uses six big lugs for the locking collar so the engagement should only require a maximum of a 60 degree change between the to sides for the locker to engage.

Not quite true, they are actually pretty finely splined.

If your E-Locker motor is not all corroded up and turns instantly the E-locker should engage fairly quickly. Sometimes people hit the button and the motor doesn't turn over right away due to corrosion.