I wanna start doing some minor off roading. But I only have a 2wd . Im running a '97 4runner 3.4L Sr5 2wd. I want build my truck up to somthing like a pre-runner setup. But I have no idea where to start for the drive system. I know the Tacomas have a rear locker. But what is out there for the 4runners of my year to do a build up? Hope some out there hears my cry:cry: for help. Thanks

 

Well, there's an abundance of aftermarket lockers for 4Runners, as well as factory lockers you could put in. From what I hear, aftermarket is the easier route.

 

You could spend about $350-$400 on a e-locking third member locally (shipping will kill you), then retrofit it into your existing housing. You'll then need the locker ECU, harness, and switch. It'll run you another $100 or so for those. You'll then have to pull the entire axle off the truck, do some cutting and some welding to modify the housing, then install the locked third before reinstalling everything. I doubt that you will be able to find a good shop that will tackle this for you, so all the work is by you and a buddy and will take quite some time.

You could also spend about $1000 for an ARB RD23, ARB compressor and accessories and then another $150-$200 for the installation (2-3 hours) and gear set-up if you pull the third yourself. You will have to wire up the compressor and two switches along with the solenoid, then run air lines from the compressor under your hood to the locker on your axle. Much easier and less time consuming, but more expensive.

 

Sell and get a 2nd gen 4x4

 

I might as well slam my fingures in a door. Spending that kind of money just to have a rear locker. Would I work I I found a wrecked 3gen 4wd, and swap the axel. I know I need the wire harness, but is a there a way around using the stock wire harness? I might be cheaper for me to add a winch and just pull my 4runner out of situations I get my self into. The sad part is that, when you go off road here in hawaii, there isnt much to attach a winch hook to.

I also have contemplated selling my rig for a ealier gen 4runner. I ted to favor the first gens because of the removable rear top. There is one for sale in the local paper for about $2K.

Thanks for the help on the topic

 

You can wire it up yourself, but you'll need to be pretty proficient with wiring diagrams and a soldering gun. you can do an entire axle swap, but that may be like finding a needle in a haystack since you're pretty much limited to 3rd gen 4WD's in HI for your salvage prospects.

Good Luck

 

I hear that one. I have been working on my truck since 2000. I havent found a set of 2000+ headlamps, the new grill, the new bumper, and year limited fender flares . Finding anything here in hawaii, is worse than finding a neddle in a haystack. When ever a car wrecks in hawaii, and the part are worth money. Insurance companys or tow yards sweep them up and keep the parts for themselves. Leaving people like me to either order from the continental US and pay a big bounty on the shipping , or go buy from the mean people over at the dealership