Hey Yotatech

I just bought a busted E-locker off craigslist for $200. Just needs new gears. I'm going with 4.11.

Here's some other problems:
Needs two more studs
E-Locker Plug is broken on the differential
I also don't know if I should get new bearings.

I don't know anything about taking apart differentials, nor adjusting them with shims.

Right now I think I'll start cleaning the metal shards out of the axle housing, and also be doing some reading on gear uninstall.

I'll be searching, any help is appreciated seeing that I'm a total Newb and all. I'll be taking this slow though so I can get it done the first time. Thanks
Oh and this is my first thread, didn't know where to post it.
Hope yall won't be too mad.

 

Thanks a lot, I'll read those.
I'll try to get more pictures to keep this thread going while I fix her up. Tomorrow I'll try to get a magnet and get all the metal shards from the gear in the axle housing out. With school and work, this may take a while though.

 

4.11s? you should go with 4.56s or something bigger

Good snag tho. 200 for an elocker, nice.

 

I know, especially with my 33" tires. But if I changed the gear ratio on the rear diff, wouldn't I have to change the front diff gear ratio too?

 

Yea, well if you wanted to use 4wd haha.

 

Yes but you can buy a used front diff with 4.56's in it for a couple hundred dollars and just swap it in.

 

I agree with Tubb, you should regear. You'll be happier in the long run. Take you time and do it right.

 

lol yeah a little bit.

I would but I don't really have a lot of tools, I'm only 17, and I got school and work too. My pickup is my only rig. Thanks for the info though, I'm gonna start thinking about it.

I totally want to do it right, but I got a lot going on and money is kind of an issue. Especially since a bought an Addicted off-road front bumper. Coming soon I hope.
Anyways I am going to take my time so I might change my mind about this later. I really do want to regear.

 

Well this is what they say to go with...

1. Drivetrain
2. Armor
3. Tires
4. Suspension

Personally I went with.
Tires (they were shot)
Suspension (needed new springs)
Armor will be next
then 5spd
(The last to depend on the Auto holding out)

This is the order of my 4Runner...

With that said...you are not in need of this E-Locker right now. So you have the time to rebuild it and look for a new (new to you) front 3rd. Take your time and do it right...

 

So today I cleaned out the metal shards from the axle housing.


Here's the Ring Gear all busted, I still don't know where to start taking it apart yet.


Then there's this 2 pin plug. The guy I bought it from said it was busted so I guess I better call Toyota for a new one. I think it just screws out with a wrench.


So does anybody know where I can get instructions to tear all the ring gear and pinion out of the diff housing?

Also, When I was cleanin out the axle housing I was wondering if it would even fit my '91 toyota pickup. Does anybody know how I can find out?

 

Alright Thanks. I'll take my time.

 

Swaping in a front third is pretty easy and can be done in a couple of hours if you work at a steady pace. You'll need to spray all the bolts/nuts with a penetrating oil for a couple of days before you start and a friend to help is allways a bonus.


Damn good advice right there. Since you don't have to have that e-locker right now you can take some time to set it up right and save some money for a front third in your gear of choice.

On my 4runner I did armor, gears, tires and then suspension. I actually did the armor, gears and tires on a Saturday and then did the suspension a little later. Take your time, save some money, buy what you want the first time and have fun.

 

Your not going to be able to properly set up that diff with new gears. you have nowhere the right tools and experience to do it right.

if you regear go 5.29's

 

Everyone starts off with no experience, and I can save up for tools along the way. I'm not giving up yet. Thanks for your concern though.

 

If your willing to learn and don't be skered you'll do fine. I don't have all the tools I need but I get by with what I have. I will say from what I have "read" that setting the spacing on the 3rd can be a real pain. I have not done it...yet. Someday I'll have to and then I'll learn something else. Read, Ask, Share.

 

Alright, Can anyone give me any leads to doing a front third swap so I can better understand what I'd have to do. I'm still thinking about whether or not to regear the diffs.

 

The threads are out here just gotta hit the search...

 

haha I know, I was just wonderin if anyone knew a good site that explains everything.

 

Is that a factory TRD axle? Or did the previous owner cut it? If it's the factory TRD axle from a tacoma, you'll have to move the spring perches etc to match up with your mini truck leafs. Almost more hassle trying to modify the TRD axle than to modify a mini truck axle. Not to mention, I think the Taco axles are wider....someone correct me if I'm wrong on that. You can click on the link to my e locker build thread in my signature to check out my build up which may answer some other random questions you may have

 

I would also say leave gear installs to the pro's. I know many mechanics who won't even touch gear installs because of how precise they have to be. In order to do it correctly (buying the right tools), it would probably be cheaper to pay someone to do it.