so i have a 91 4runner that i took out the first time this weekend. as i found out after being out for a little bit i need some lockers or anti slip.. what is the best set up and cheap... im not sure i really want to weld up the diff. i kind of like the idea of the slip on the road,


thanks everybody.

 

Best and cheap? Hmmm...the first one that comes to mind is one of those new Spartan auto-lockers. But it doesn't qualify as far as having any slip. It's just like all the other auto-lockers in that respect(ie Aussie, Lock-Right, Detroit EZ, Detroit locker, Yukon Grizzly), they're either on or off(locked or unlocked). The Spartan's around the same price as a Lock-Right or Detroit EZ, a bit cheaper than an Aussie, and supposedly stronger than all of those. The Detroit locker(non-EZ) and Yukon Grizzly locker are arguably the strongest, but are buy far the most expensive(nearly 2x the price of the rest).

Selectable lockers are ideal for most applications. Like the Toyota E-locker or ARB air locker(Eaton doesn't make an ELocker for these vehicles yet). Then you've got a locker when you need it, and an open diff when you don't. There are some strength and dependability issues with the Toyota E-locker though, some people have trouble with them when used in severe-duty applications. The ARB seems to be a stronger more reliable setup. Both are pretty spendy though. Occasionally you'll find a used E-locker for a reasonable price, but new they're ridiculously expensive(and so is the ARB IMO).

But for a limited-slip type differential:

I've always liked the idea of the Powertrax No-Slip myself. The traction capability of a locker, and the operating smoothness of a limited-slip(although technically it's an auto-locker too). Plus it's extremely strong, being made from material that's 67% stronger than titanium. But it's not cheap, so it doesn't meet that criteria.

Another option would be the Auburn Gear Pro Series limited-slip. Plenty strong, but again though, not cheap.

The Detroit Truetrac limited-slip is a little cheaper than those, but quite a bit weaker also.

Your cheapest option for a limited-slip in the rear might be to go with one from a 86.5-92 Supra. If you're lucky you can find a used one in good condition for well under $300. They can be installed in an 8" PU/4Runner 3rd member with minimal modifications. And from what I've heard they're fairly robust.

The TRD limited-slip doesn't fit pre-96 8" axles, so that's a no go.

Those are all the locker and limited-slip options for 79-95 trucks and 4Runners that I'm aware of.

 

I run an Aussie in the rear of my 91 4 runner and have never had a problem.

 

Keep in mind that the IFS diff in the front is 7.5", not 8" like the rear.

Depending if you're looking for just rear, or rear and front, 79-86 Supra limited-slips will fit in the front.

 

I run a lockright cost me $260 total and 7 bucks for the rear diff gasket, 20 bucks for gear oil and your done.

The spartan is susposed to be better and i have a good source for that, but they don't make a V6 diff one yet so it would be a aussie or lockright for what you want take your pick?

 

Thanks for adding that to the list. I'm not sure how I managed to leave it out.

 

i think a Limited Slip up front, and a selectable in the rear would be all i ever need

although an auto locker up from would be super nice

 

I started with a limited slip in the rear and a true trac up front. I highly reccomend the detroit truetracs. For thier price you can't go wrong with having a front and rear locked. Im taking my limited out of the rear for a airlocker that is on it's way. In my opinion although they do last forever putting a limited in the rear they eventually wear out from daily commute. I'll eventually put another airlocker in the front. I'm in no rush cause they are really expensive.But till then the truetrac is perfect for up front.

 

I'm assuming the Supra unit is a Clutch type LSD?

does anyone make a torsion/helical type LSD that will fit in the rear?

 

The True Trac is a torsen style LSD:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/TrueTrac.shtml

 

Selectable lockers are a must for IFS diffs IMO b/c of the force a locker will put on your CV axles, a lunchbox locker in the rear is the cheapest option and super easy to install. Your best bet would be to get a lunchbox in the rear then take it out and see if you think you really "need" a front locker.

 

so after reading all this im thinking of getting a supra limited slip for rear and calling it good, i mean after all if 3 tires are spinning, i guess i try again or wench my self up, im not looking for anything extreme but would like to be able to not be holding up my friends when im the one getting stuck at a spot cause 2 tires are off the ground but yet they are just rolling right on threw.

 

Just a heads-up before going right out and buying a Truetrac to put in the rear(where it will see constant use and/or abuse):
RTFM:

 

thanks for the heads up, they're 35s

 

There were some Supras that came with helial LSDs, but they're difficult to track down (JZA70 Supras). They also had a habit of snapping in half in the Supras. I would hate to see how they did with a transfercase in front and some big tires behind.

Edit: Oh, also JZA80 Supras (93+) have some pretty tough helical LSDs, but they're 8.5", not 8"