FRONT LOCKER QUESTION 1997 4 Runner Auto Hubs

BOSTON4RUNNER · 06-06-2006, 11:37 AM

I have a 1997 4 Runner 3.4 witha 5 speed

I want to put a front locker in it

I was thinking an EZ locker but without having manual hubs, it will be all messed up right? locking up all the time etc

Anyone make a traditional type clutch posi / limited slip unit for the front?

what is the hot set up and what will this cost me?

Is there such thing as a E Locker for the front?

I dont think I want to have the expense of an ARB

Thanks, Tim

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bamachem · 06-06-2006, 11:41 AM

ARB locker = $700
ARB compressor = $200
Installation = $300

having an ARB on the trail = PRICELESS

BOSTON4RUNNER · 06-06-2006, 11:50 AM

I did read the sticky as well on lockers..

I am curious if anyone makes a clutch type posi

also would I have problems running a lunchbox in the front?

deathrunner · 06-06-2006, 12:15 PM

i have never had one up front, but it shouldn't lock unless there is force on the driveshaft......in 4wd.

technically it is always locked, but I believe it would ratchet easily without the driveline force.

Intrepid · 06-06-2006, 12:19 PM

You could run a lunchbox locker in the front without manual hubs, but it might cause you trouble in the snow in 4wd. I think that you should consider a manual hub swap if you are going to do a front lunchbox locker.

Done any wheeling lately?

amorphous · 06-06-2006, 12:23 PM

with auto hubs, you'd be wishing you hadn't re: full time locker

with an IFS front end, the only way to go is going to be ARB, IMO.

BOSTON4RUNNER · 06-06-2006, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intrepid

You could run a lunchbox locker in the front without manual hubs, but it might cause you trouble in the snow in 4wd. I think that you should consider a manual hub swap if you are going to do a front lunchbox locker.

Done any wheeling lately?

Life Update:

Good to see you on here Heath, hope all you guys are doing well.....

My mom is 100 percent cancer free, absolutely clear now!!!!!

I Was in the Outer Banks NC last week

Tons of wheeling, I really dont go around here as I have noone to go with

Ordering my tires today, also remaking my entire roof rack, picking up steel on Friday, will includ Jerry Can mounts, some reverse lights, truck just hit 252K

Just healed up from a broken leg and ankle, broke it surfing, though healed amazingly fast in just 3 weeks, dr could believe it

Also Camaro is going to be painted and just bought a 69 Corvette...

86Original · 06-06-2006, 04:24 PM

I have an Aussie in front, but have manual hubs. I wouldn't want to drive it around w/o manual hubs. Don't know about 7.5" E-locker.

bamachem · 06-06-2006, 04:58 PM

there is no 7.5" Toyota LSD, no 7.5" E-Locker and there is no Aussie for a 3rd Gen.

you're only options are ARB or a Lunchbox...

tc · 06-06-2006, 06:09 PM

The ONLY lockers that do not have a performance compromise are the ARB and elocker. Otherwise, you will sacrifice a lot of streetability for off road performance.

Having spent a couple days 'wheeling my g/f's truck with a TruTrac in the front, I wouln't recommend it. When you don't REALLY need it, it works great. When you DO really need it, it doesn't. The brake biasing thing works, but is a major PITA.

Another vote for ARB - even if it means delaying the install until you have time to save up. NOTE: there are lots of package deals out there where you can get the compressor for free.

Flygtenstein · 06-06-2006, 06:38 PM

Front LSD, half the benefits all the pain.

Jim's works well some times. Other times it annoys me.

Not to be patronizing, but asking these questions says you can get by without.

I had an ARB when I had IFS. I have another for the solid axle. Push it to lock, push it again to steer.

AxleIke · 06-06-2006, 08:19 PM

ARB if you wish to steer.

JGM · 06-09-2006, 04:35 PM

Steering is overrated

d0ubledown · 06-09-2006, 04:50 PM

if you cant go around it, go over it..since your locked right? haha

id spring for the arb if i were to lock the front. a lunch box up front sans manual hubs just brings too much issues, esp with streetability and winter driving in 4WD. go selectable. have it when you need it, not when you dont.

just like the elocker, its pricey, but worth every penny.
that said, do you really need a front locker? have you gotten yourself into tough situations where there was no other way? if not, then you probably dont need it. do you have a rear locker?

just my webwheelin' $0.02's worth

amorphous · 06-09-2006, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d0ubledown
that said, do you [i

really[/i] need a front locker? have you gotten yourself into tough situations where there was no other way? if not, then you probably dont need it. do you have a rear locker?

just my webwheelin' $0.02's worth

i'll have to agree there - if your getting yourself into sitch's where you need a front locker - you might want to consider a personal loan for:
1)winch
2)cage
3)SAS

because...it won't be long and you'll be pushing yourself to do harder stuff with your new front locker. MARK MY WORDS!

</rant>

aaron

tc · 06-09-2006, 08:17 PM

Don't know that I agree with that, but then I probably engage the lockers more than I really should/need to.

Flygtenstein · 06-09-2006, 08:37 PM

That cat is right on.

A rear locker gets you to half the places. The front gets you to half of what is left. By the time you need a solid axle, you likely don't need a body and do need a cage.

My truck will go all the same places it has been, the solid axle just means it won't break daily like IFS.

Albuquerque Jim · 06-09-2006, 10:51 PM

I like my True Trac in the front. Sure, it doesnt always lock...but it never binds either. I think its a nice compromise of price, breaking things and traction, but what do I know.

The brake bias thing with a clutch is darn near impossible, I am curious to see how well it work with a crawler...

I shalll soon find out.

bamachem · 06-10-2006, 04:50 AM

wow Jim, I didn't realize you have a True Trac!

BOSTON4RUNNER · 06-12-2006, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albuquerque Jim

I like my True Trac in the front. Sure, it doesnt always lock...but it never binds either. I think its a nice compromise of price, breaking things and traction, but what do I know.

The brake bias thing with a clutch is darn near impossible, I am curious to see how well it work with a crawler...

I shalll soon find out.

is your truck IFS? or converted to a solid axle?

please advise

thanks!!!!

06-06-2006, 11:50 AM	#3 (permalink)
BOSTON4RUNNER Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 789	I did read the sticky as well on lockers.. I am curious if anyone makes a clutch type posi also would I have problems running a lunchbox in the front? __________________ 305k MILES! 97 4Runner Khumo Road Venture MT's 285 75 16's LC wheels,Desert Dune,moonroof,safari rack,kc daylighters,3.4 Ltr. 5 spd,410s detroit ez locker, OME 891's, KYB shocks3 - 3.25 lift, Tokico,Taco springs,3 in lift in front Rev Tek spacers/top out 4Crawler diff drop, 1 in BL, 4 Runner altimeter, 2.5 in Flowmaster,high flow cat, mandrel steel air intake conical K & N. MSD DIS4,CB with 7 channel wave/weather report,4 foot firestick,Pioneer CD,30 gig IPOD. www.sfaboston.com

06-06-2006, 12:15 PM	#4 (permalink)
deathrunner Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 2,971	i have never had one up front, but it shouldn't lock unless there is force on the driveshaft......in 4wd. technically it is always locked, but I believe it would ratchet easily without the driveline force. __________________ IFS IS FOR LOSERS Decroded Piece of Crap

06-06-2006, 12:19 PM	#5 (permalink)
Intrepid Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Ashburnham, MA Posts: 2,711	You could run a lunchbox locker in the front without manual hubs, but it might cause you trouble in the snow in 4wd. I think that you should consider a manual hub swap if you are going to do a front lunchbox locker. Done any wheeling lately? __________________ www.toyotacrawlers.com '85 4runner: 4.7's, FoxFab sliders, custom bumpers, 1" body lift, F-150 springs rear, lockright, welded third, IFS rear axle, 1.5" wheel spacers, high-steer, rears up front, Longs, 38" SX's on steelies, 12Voltguy dual battery, soft top, BMW seats. NO LONGER lacking an engine. :D :D

06-06-2006, 12:23 PM	#6 (permalink)
amorphous Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Eugene, OR Posts: 839	with auto hubs, you'd be wishing you hadn't re: full time locker with an IFS front end, the only way to go is going to be ARB, IMO. __________________ 98 4runner sr5 33"s and locked with the usual suspects

06-06-2006, 04:24 PM	#8 (permalink)
86Original Contributing Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Loveland, Colorado Posts: 460	I have an Aussie in front, but have manual hubs. I wouldn't want to drive it around w/o manual hubs. Don't know about 7.5" E-locker. __________________ Original owner: 86 4Runner, Some mods; Read more here.

06-06-2006, 11:41 AM	#2 (permalink)
bamachem Banned Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 0	ARB locker = $700 ARB compressor = $200 Installation = $300 having an ARB on the trail = PRICELESS

06-06-2006, 04:58 PM	#9 (permalink)
bamachem Banned Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 0	there is no 7.5" Toyota LSD, no 7.5" E-Locker and there is no Aussie for a 3rd Gen. you're only options are ARB or a Lunchbox...

06-06-2006, 06:09 PM	#10 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,376	The ONLY lockers that do not have a performance compromise are the ARB and elocker. Otherwise, you will sacrifice a lot of streetability for off road performance. Having spent a couple days 'wheeling my g/f's truck with a TruTrac in the front, I wouln't recommend it. When you don't REALLY need it, it works great. When you DO really need it, it doesn't. The brake biasing thing works, but is a major PITA. Another vote for ARB - even if it means delaying the install until you have time to save up. NOTE: there are lots of package deals out there where you can get the compressor for free. __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

06-06-2006, 06:38 PM	#11 (permalink)
Flygtenstein Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 4,246	Front LSD, half the benefits all the pain. Jim's works well some times. Other times it annoys me. Not to be patronizing, but asking these questions says you can get by without. I had an ARB when I had IFS. I have another for the solid axle. Push it to lock, push it again to steer. __________________ Ease on down the road.

06-06-2006, 08:19 PM	#12 (permalink)
AxleIke Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Boulder, Colorado Posts: 4,889	ARB if you wish to steer. __________________ 1987 Mutant 4runner\|Slightly Modified\|Lacking general build direction -Lifts and Tires look cool at the Mall, Lockers and Gears look cool on the trail. -Internet Nice Guy

06-09-2006, 04:35 PM	#13 (permalink)
JGM Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 342	Steering is overrated __________________ 1996 4Runner & 1971 FJ40

06-09-2006, 04:50 PM	#14 (permalink)
d0ubledown Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: vansterdam BC. Posts: 1,432	if you cant go around it, go over it..since your locked right? haha id spring for the arb if i were to lock the front. a lunch box up front sans manual hubs just brings too much issues, esp with streetability and winter driving in 4WD. go selectable. have it when you need it, not when you dont. just like the elocker, its pricey, but worth every penny. that said, do you really need a front locker? have you gotten yourself into tough situations where there was no other way? if not, then you probably dont need it. do you have a rear locker? just my webwheelin' $0.02's worth __________________ sonny ------- 1998 4Runner LTD. Fabtech CO fronts, OME/Pro Comp rears, SS rear links, Revtek diff drop, oem elocker, ARB RD90, 4.88's, 315/75/16 MT/R's on FZJ-80's, Trail Gear sliders, ARB Prado Bar, 1.5" 4Crawler BL, Tundra Brakes, wabfab disco's, IPF's...satoshi'd deckplated & ISR'd. SOLD!!! new ride: 1997 FZJ80. ome/arb/bfg/etc. when clinton lied..nobody died

06-09-2006, 08:17 PM	#16 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,376	Don't know that I agree with that, but then I probably engage the lockers more than I really should/need to. __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

06-09-2006, 08:37 PM	#17 (permalink)
Flygtenstein Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 4,246	That cat is right on. A rear locker gets you to half the places. The front gets you to half of what is left. By the time you need a solid axle, you likely don't need a body and do need a cage. My truck will go all the same places it has been, the solid axle just means it won't break daily like IFS. __________________ Ease on down the road.

06-09-2006, 10:51 PM	#18 (permalink)
Albuquerque Jim Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 2,570	I like my True Trac in the front. Sure, it doesnt always lock...but it never binds either. I think its a nice compromise of price, breaking things and traction, but what do I know. The brake bias thing with a clutch is darn near impossible, I am curious to see how well it work with a crawler... I shalll soon find out. __________________ '00 SR5, "Highlander" Dual Cases, Aisin Hubs, E-Lock'd, Cryo'd, Chromo'd, ARB'd, 315's, Sonoran Steel Bumper, Lift & UCA's, 4 Crawl 1" BL, Armored...etc. F-Toy #081 in progress Dual Cases, 30 Splines, 5.71's, E-lockers, Hydro-Assist, 37's, DOM Hendrix Chassis, 80Proof, ORS, Sonoran Steel...etc.

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06-10-2006, 04:50 AM	#19 (permalink)
bamachem Banned Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 0	wow Jim, I didn't realize you have a True Trac!

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