I have a 1996 4Runner without an E-Locker. I'd like to install one in my rear end, but i'd like to know what kind of job it will end up being. I need to know if my rear end will need modifications or if it's a drop in. (I'm confused which rear ends need modifications and which don't). I'm not planning on wiring up the E-Locker, I'll probably try the Downey cable locker conversion (I trust a cable more than electronics anyways) http://www.downeyoff-road.com/Chassi...ents/index.htm

Also, where can I buy an E-Locker and where are the best prices (preferably online)

Thanks!

~Ryder

 

Have you considered a full axle/housing swap? A couple of us have done it. In fact, a couple of us purchased "donor" e-locked 4Runners for a good price, swapped front and rear axle housings/diffs, then sold the donor vehicle for the same or more than we initially purchased them for.

Keep in mind that most - if not all - e-locked automatic 4Runners will have a 4.30 gear ratio. Your manual trans is most likely a 4.10, which means you will have to swap the front and rear diff/housings.

Just another idea for you to think about. I broke even after all was said and done, and I had a locker to show for it.

 

I know there were some guys on IH8mud selling 4Runner elockers a while ago. You could check there.

96 RUnner is correct - My 96 came with e-locker and 4.10's. Its a manual tranny, so you will probably want to keep an eye out for that.

 

key search terms to research are:

e-locker retrofit
e-locker conversion

as to where to buy, junkyard if you are close to one. or occassionally, you can troll through the classifieds here, 4x4wire.com, ih8mud.com, and pirate4x4.com

bob

 

Wow, yeah, thanks for the info. I'll definitly start searching junk yards for E-Locked 4runners. Thanks for pointing out the gear differences, I was under the impression that all E-Lockers were running 4.10 gears. I wouldn't be completely opposed to running 4.30 gears, although doing the front end adds some time into this whole mod.

Any suggestions on how to find 4Runners with E-Lockers... you said the Limiteds almost all had lockers... but there isn't an obvious sign like a TRD sticker or anything eh?

Also, if I do a housing swap, instead of the whole axle... is there any modifications, or is it drop in?

Thanks for the info and tips.

 

It's basically drop in. The only thing you need to "crack" into is removal of the CV axles and rear brake lines. As for searching for e-locked runners, look for the button or at the pumpkin of the axle. It's the only way to tell.

 

Like Christian mentioned you either need to look for the button "RR Lock" or look for the solenoid on the pumpkin.

This writeup might help if you wanted to swap diffs:
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/electric_locker/

 

thread revival!

when swapping the entire axle housing- is it all bolt on or are there still modifications to be made?

 

For '96-'00 it's completely bolt on (except for the wiring part which is kinda sorta part bolt-on), but for the '01-'02 you gotta swap over the brake lines from the '01-'02 axle to the e-lock axle housing (which will be from an '96-'00) which requires drilling two holes for one of the brakeline brackets. Check out this post: https://www.yotatech.com/50944579-post8.html and here's the rest of the thread: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/a...-atrac-154736/

-Ferg-

 

I just got a fully loaded 98 4runner limited with the elocker for $500 because its overheating sooo happy, but I also blew my first cv with the 35s, and the parts store asks if its auto or 5speed. So are the diffs different or is it the the cvs?or neither? im planning on swapping diffs with the limited, both are 3.4s


If youre looking for an axle, you can try www.car-part.com
its an online inventory for scrap yards, just be sure to call the place and get them to look at the axle in person to see that it has the diff lock. The one I went to look at was just a stock axle and they didnt understand why it was wrong

 

great link! thank you!

 

I just completed the axle housing swap of a 99 to a 97. It was completely bolt on. Biggest PITA was the speed sensors and aligning all the control arms. Course I did all this in a one car garage on jack stands.