These lockers a good deal? Will they fit?

[Tango71]

A guy somewhat local to me is selling 4.88 lockers that were from a 79-95

First thing I would like to know is if these will even fit on a 98 4Runner. Next question is about the lockers themselves. He said the rear is an automatic Aussie locker and the front is welded with a vacuum disconnect.

So I am assuming that as soon as you shift to 4High/Low its locked in he front and the rear is pretty much like a limited slip or posie track? If I got this and chose to just use the 4.88 gears on my factory diff in the front as I dont want the front locked whenever I'm in 4wd could I do that?

I need to be able to tow in 4wd so having the front locked when in 4X4 is out of the question as cool as it would be.

He is also asking $800 for the setup. Is this a good price? Provided that everything fits?

So to sum it up again:
1 Will the rear auto locker 4.88 Diff fit my 98?
2 will the front 4.88 gears fit my 98 Diff?
3 Is it worth the money?

 

[ryankmasuda]

The front won't work, 3rd gens have reverse front diffs and the older models don't.

 

[brian2sun]

The gear ratio has nothing to do with whether it's locked, open, posi, etc.. You are referring to 4.88 3rd members (just so you know the correct terminology). This site will tell you what you need to know about diff compatibility for the different years:
Erik's Toyota Differential info

You don't want to run a welded diff up front. It might be an option for some if they do a manual hub conversion, but welding the front diff isn't practical on a 3rd gen 4runner.

Sounds like you may need to read up on the difference between lockers and LSDs before you go any further. An Aussie is an auto locker. It will fully lock whereas an LSD will still allow one tire to spin while the other stays put (as when one tie its in the air).

If you want the front to feel normal in 4x4, then the only real option is either leave it open our buy an ARB locker (which is a selectable locker). Any kind of auto locker or LSD in the front will constantly be trying to engage when in 4hi or 4lo.

 

[shmabs]

An aussie locker is not like a limited slip. An aussie locker is capable of 100% lock between both axle shaft when under torque load, when not "loaded" the two halves of the locker ratchet past one another. When torque or "load" is applied via the gas pedal or other means, the two halves on the locker come together via interlocking teeth and provide equal traction to both wheels.

A limited slip, either clutch or helical style, is just that. It allows limited slip between the two wheels in certain situations. Limited slips are generally more street friendly, but are usually not capable of 100% lockup between axle shafts.

YMMV.

Mike

 

[Tango71]

Thank for the lesson guys. So the front wont work. Got it. Will the rear fit? Can I just run a rear 4.88 and leave my front stock?

 

[TheeMikeB]

Thank for the lesson guys. So the front wont work. Got it. Will the rear fit? Can I just run a rear 4.88 and leave my front stock?

You cannot run different gear ratios in the front/back. You need them to be the same. You will seriously f up your ride.