chrsbrwn

I just bought a 96 limited 4runner with the factory locker. It says not to exceed 5mph with the diff locked. I have a feeling this is a liability precaution by toyota. Does anyone know more about this?
How fast can i go with it locked? Obviously in 4 Lo I'm not going to be going very fast anyway, but is it mechanically sound at 15 mph or so?
Also, is it necessary to be completely stopped to push the button?

Thanks,
Chris

runnerboy97

if im not mistaken, i believe it says you only have to be going below 5mph to engage it. after that you are good to go. search around, there is also a way to trick the system so that you can engage the locker without being in 4low. someone else can tell you more about that than me,

Pretacopower

Yes, I believe it's called the "brown wire mod" (or was it grey?)
Try both in the search and it'll come up.

travelinman

Hey Chris,

I have the elocker on my 99 4runner. You should be okay going over 5mph on loose ground (15-25 even); I wouldn't even put it on unless you're on dirt or snow...too much drag on the rear axle in turns.

On the modification; you can find directions on this sight under the general tech area. I did this mod and had some problems with the Automatic transmission droping into OD. I'm still researching how to do it without that problem. It's an easy mod, just beware of the A/T problem (this might not happen to you, it was just something that I experienced).

Good luck.

X-AWDriver

Go to the writeup section on the homepage and you'll come across the simple wire mod that will allow you to engage the locker at ANY time even in 2wd.
I'm doing mine this weekend.

Also note:do not engage locker in the snow unless you're in a situation that calls for it,engaging it and just driving around will cause you to spin.

rimpainter.com

I have mine wired to always be on (at any speed) when the button is pressed. I slow down to under 5MPH to engage, but after that I can go as fast as I want. As others have mentioned, there is no real need to use it unless you are on a very slippery surface and trying to get moving or unstuck. Once free, you should disengage it.

When I off-road, I leave it on most of the time, depending on the terrain. When I think I am a drift king, I kick it on in 2WD and do controlled doughnuts in the desert.

X-AWDriver

I'll have to try that on snow when we actually get some real snow here.

rimpainter.com

It's a blast, but I have found the lack of power in relation to vehicle weight and overall good traction to make my drift madness short lived. I bet it would be a lot of fun in an icy parking lot. We get those all the time here, did you know that?

X-AWDriver

Really?

I miss doing doughnuts in my Eclipse since with AWD the car would nearly spin like it it was on an axis.

Does the rear kickout alot with the locker engaged and how do the "doughnuts" differ from just using 4H?

rimpainter.com

It doesn't differ much to be honest. Where the locker really shines (in relation to a doughnut) is when you are in second gear at about 4K RPM, crank the steering wheel, and punch it. The rear rotates faster. I have to do more testing I think.

X-AWDriver

This is valuable and pertinent information.

yellowspeedracer

I was spinning on some muddy area this last weekend in 2wd with the locker on and the front end hardly moved as the back pivoted around.

Also, it's fine to have the locker on when you're on snow, I've used it plenty of times while 4wheelin in the snow. You just have to remember that gravity will take over if you're just spinning the tires. If you have you're locker on and going on the side of a mountain - off camber, the truck is just going to slide down the side of the mountain (this would be a time to leave the locker off). Just thought I'd clarify that

travelinman

[QUOTE=X-AWDriver]
I'm doing mine this weekend.


Hey X, You have the same year as mine (I have a '99 highlander too w/elocker). When you do your mod, can you let me know if you run into any problems with the OD not dropping in? If you have the A/T, that is.

When I did the mod I had some problems (stated above) and un-did it. I just want to know your experience when it's all said and done on your ride.

Thanks.

rimpainter.com

I am pretty sure X-AWD snagged a 5 speed, but I will let him speak up.

Beerdrinker

[QUOTE=travelinman]I had no problems on my 99 highlander. I would double check your wiring possible wrong wire grounded?. I used this write up http://www.hboss.net/4runner/locker_safety.htm
I going to have to do the donut thing sounds fun!

X-AWDriver

My '97 is a 5 speed but I'm having foot surgery at the beginning of the year and had to get an auto with the '99 and I already miss the 5 speed.
I'll definetly check out everything after I do the locker mod and post on this thread if I have any problems.

travelinman

Cool,

Thanks Beerdrinker (cool name) and X-AWDriver. I'll look again at what I did. I probably missed something easy. I have to have the skid capability by first real snowfall.

JFK