Hello all,

Tried to search function as I imagined this issue would've been discussed quite a bit, but didn't have much luck.

Want to get a 99 or 00 4runner, sport edition, and trying to figure out how beneficial the electronic locking rear diff is.

Sounds like the stock diff is 4.1 and the locking diff is 4.3

Also, does anyone know the approx cost to retrofit the locking rear diff to a model that doesn't have it? Or the approx cost to add something similar (ARB, etc). I like the "OEM-ness" of the electronic locking diff, so not even sure if the ARB would be something I'd want.

Thanks in advance for any help, and if this has been discussed before, a link to helpful info would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

The v6 automatic transmission 4runners with an e-locker came with 4.3:1 diffs, the 5spd 4runners with e-lockers came with 4.1:1 diffs.

Used e-locker 3rd members range from about $300 to $600. You can buy a new one for about $1100. There are several articles available that list the other parts required to retrofit the locker (harness, ecu, etc) and also the axle housing modifications that are required.

I'd do a search for "e-locker retrofit", it should bring up a bunch of hits.

- Matt

 

On my 01 runner the locking diff is not as I thought. it does not lock the rear diff (as in both rear wheels locked). I put mine on jack stands and put it in 4 high and 4 low with out locked. the result was that one rear wheel spins along with one front wheel, BUT when you let of the gas the front wheel will slowly stop turning and then as you excelerate again it will start rotating again. Then when you lock the diff the front wheels will rotate the same as the rear. But even locked only one front, and one rear wheel spins. The locking diff only locks the front diff to the rear. Dont know if this is all 3rd gen or certain year models???

 

i think your talking about the center diff lock which is way diff than the e-locker

 

ditto, center diff lock is not rear diff lock (e-locker), e-locker you will have a button that says

RR Diff Lock

 

If you actually off road the e-locker is a nice thing to have in certain situations and can be the difference on how easy it is to make it up an obstacle or if you make it at all.

 

Center diff lock is what you have. This allows the front and rear ends to vary the speed when UNLOCKED and in 4wd, so there is no drivetrain binding, allowing you to safely run 4wd on dry pavement. Similar to AWD cars like Subarus. Then you can lock the center diff to deliver equal power front and rear to give you added traction offroad.

 

I thought the "sport" editions had a LSD, not an E-locker.

 

Fireball... You will definetly benifit a rear diff lock, trust me. My wife has this factory E-locker in her 4-runner and it saved us many of times when were out wheel'in.
Not sure if the sport edition has this feature, but try to find one that has an RR Diff Lock. You'll see the button. Plus, it'll be one less expense to deal with after your vehicle purchase.

Sorry guys, i thought we were talking about rear diff locks.

Mike

 

The originals were called Highlanders (and had the diff lock option) but by the time Toyota called it a Sport Package in '01 and then a properly badged Sport Edition in '02 they lost the rear locker along with the 5 speed and was replaced with the center diff lock.

 

Yep, sorry for the confusion. Last year when I bought my first toy, I was not familiar with a center locking diff, and in all the runners that I had looked at none had a rr diff. Also the manual only mentions locking diff, so I assumed it was to lock the rear. (this would be the time to remind me of the whole ASSume speach!!). Anyway I thought it was odd that the light on the dash lights up at the transfer case and not the rear diff. Not a total idiot, just new to a center locking diff and had yet to have it offroad to use it. Since putting lift on and soon to do the "andy mode", hope to try it in moab in april.