rear axle upgrade to diff lock?

[mkzg]

hey all,

I just bought a 99 4runner limited and it does not have diff lock. I want to change the rear axle and add the diff lock. (elocker)

what is the easiest way to do this?

 

[4-Ripcord]

like this

4Runners.org - 3rd Gen 4Runner E-locker Retrofit

 

[blcktpgsr]

hey all,

I just bought a 99 4runner limited and it does not have diff lock. I want to change the rear axle and add the diff lock. (elocker)

what is the easiest way to do this?

Depending on what gear ratio you have now which I would assume 4:10's,(no diff lock)you may also have to get the fronts to match with the rears as diff lockers were only available on 4:30's, maybe even 4:56's..you cannot run two diff'rent gear set's at the same time.

I'm only speculating on the gearing you have on your truck, best is to first determine you gear ratio and go from there.

It may also be better to find a 4runner rear axle with the lockers and do a complete axle swap instead of retrofitting one which I think is more labor costly.

 

[mkzg]

i was thinking about getting a whole axle assembly, not just the carrier. will i still have the change out the front if i have a 4:10 and i go to a 4:30?

 

[4-Ripcord]

yes, both diffs have to be the same ratio

 

[mkzg]

i have searched on car-part.com and i saw 4.10 ratios with the locker on it. are these incorrect posting? you said the elocker came on a 4.30 only. I checked and i have a 4.10

 

[4-Ripcord]

I have never found anything that proves this. I have always thought it was 4.10 AND 4.30 that had the lockers, with 4.30 being a lot more common. Search and see what you can come up with.

 

[fourwd1]

The e-locker was not limited to any specific gear ratio.

Rather than swap an entire axle just to get a locker, why not just have a locker installed in your stock diff? makes more sense.

 

[mkzg]

in order to put a locker on the stock diff, do i just have to buy the 3rd member locker? i thought that if i want to install a locker on the stock diff i have to change the whole diff. or are you referring to ARB lockers? i dont want an ARB locker because i dont want to install air tanks.

 

[4-Ripcord]

IMO, e-locker retrofit is the most cost effective way to get a locker, about $500.

An ARB, after the air compressor, will be $1200+.

A Detroit locker will be $500 as well, but it isn't selectable. You will be able to keep you stock gear ratio though.

------
And in addition to the 3rd member with a locker, you will need the wiring harness and diff lock Ecu from the donor 4runner. No need to swap the ENTIRE axle, but you can if that is easier than retrofitting the carrier housing on your current axle.

 

[fourwd1]

in order to put a locker on the stock diff, do i just have to buy the 3rd member locker? i thought that if i want to install a locker on the stock diff i have to change the whole diff. or are you referring to ARB lockers? i dont want an ARB locker because i dont want to install air tanks.

NO, you don't change the whole diff to install a locker (except for the e-locker).

An ARB doesn't require air tanks, the small ARB compressor fits right under the hood (or anywhere else).

If you can score a used e-locked diff with the correct gear ratio, that's probably the cheapest way to go. You can always fab your own control circuit if necessary.

 

[fourwd1]

Here's what one looks like.

 

[mkzg]

ok thanks! I saw the writeup. i will be putting the elocker on mine. I have the 4.10 ratio - so i will get the 4.10 locker (3rd member) and modify the housing. im not putting an ARB. If I understood your last posts correctly, in order to put the Elocker i have to replace the diff at the same time with a 4.10 ratio diff to match my front diff.

 

[fourwd1]

ok thanks! I saw the writeup. i will be putting the elocker on mine. I have the 4.10 ratio - so i will get the 4.10 locker (3rd member) and modify the housing. im not putting an ARB. If I understood your last posts correctly, in order to put the Elocker i have to replace the diff at the same time with a 4.10 ratio diff to match my front diff.

Yes, with the e-locker only, you have to replace the entire diff.
If you look at the pic you will see the diff housing is "special" to accept the external motor that works it.

You always have to have the front and rear ratios the same.