994runnerguy

so there happens to be a local 4 wheel parts store in so cal.....they are offering me the EZ locker for $210....and labor for about $300....i have a 994runner auto 2WD.....do oyu guys think it's a good deal? Will this allow me to go off roading to some extent. Im in the So cal region (costa Mesa) and would love to go out to the trails with you guys.. I saw some pictures of a recent big bear trip....i was like wow! Wish i was there! If there are any mechanic gurus around the areas....will you guys be willing to install as well? Im willing to pay....just want to save a bit on some labor....thanks for the help again!

994runnerguy

PoBoy

The locker can be found cheaper...but not all that much (like $175) and you have to figure in shipping. The labor is a bit high, but it is a 4x4 shop. I would ask them how much an hour they charge for labor - then be there when they install it (time them). Ask for money back when it doesnt add up (unless they charge $100 an hour, it won't).

PoBoy

Ohh...you may want to try and bargain too on the labor. A LOT of these shops need the business and will take what they get. So if you are serious about getting it done there...tell them $350 and we have a deal. Worth a shot...

994runnerguy

yeah i'll try that......but it sounds like it's definately worth it.....the only concern i have is the stories i hear going out of turns...the "poping" noises and stuff.....but I'm going to pick it up for shure,.....

PoBoy

Well you'll definitely hear it click on turns or your tires will chirp (had one in my '96). You'll get some stares and whatnot...but the off-road performace you pickup is HUGE. Definitely worth it if you wheel a lot...otherwise you may want to look into a soft locker or an LSD.

994runnerguy

get some stares and ----> .....hahah!

Pretacopower

I'd recommend installing it yourself if you have a buddy that'll help. I did and it's not all that hard, just takes some time. (took me and a friend 4 hours). Although the installation instructions for the Lockright lockers are WAY easier to understand than that of the Detroit. Trust me, I had both (not a fun story)
Anyway, it'd save you a few hundred bucks. But on the other hand, it is always nice to know it's been done by pro's. Your choice

Pretacopower

And yes, you'll get plenty of clicks, pops, clunks, and stares. But once you climb out of those ruts that you normally got stuck in on the trails, you won't regret getting it.

MODZILLA

I am getting my rig re-geared this week and I have been frantically trying to find the best way to lock the rear diff. It was recommended to go with a detroit true trac but that isn't really any different than a LSD (not really a locker) I looked at the EZ Locker and it was just not going to be the appropriate application as I really don't get to do much serious wheeling. I didn't want to put up with all the snaps crackles and pops all the time just to be able to say "Ya I got a locker" so I have decided to hold off on the locker portion till I can either do an E-Locker swap or get the ARB air locker. Since I'm stuck in Iraq anyway I figured what's the rush? My current stock set-up does good enough for momma to get through the winters anyway.
I'm just not totally sold on the EZ locker thing I guess.

994runnerguy

Hmmm..how about the factory E-Locker?? Would it be more expensive? And how does it work exactly....you push the button and it's locked? I'm sure it will be more expensive ....but what kind of parts would i need to pull it off....there are many junkyards around and wouldn't mind callin around.....I have a 99 4 runner 2WD auto.

Buki

I have had good luck with Hick's :

Hick's 4x4 Specialists
1321 Garey Avenue
Pomona, CA 91766
909/865-7170 800/999-posi

They installed my 4.88's plus an air locker. They are very reasonable. Do not go to 4 wheel parts wholesellers I had a friend go there with very bad results. Ther is another guy that's pretty good that was in Anaheim, but I had a flyer saying they moved. It was All four wheel drive. I think they moved to Corona also.

994runnerguy

SWEET!!! I should check em out!!!!!! Thanks for the info!