Ok, Ive searched for 2 hours on the web. From what Ive came up with, Im under the impression that all of the 4X4 models have them. Is that accurate? I read somewhere this: "Toyota 4Runner also features an optional Locking Rear Differential with a 4.300 rear differential on all 4WD models." Does this mean that all have the 4.300 with a locker or that all had a 4.300 differential with an optional locker? If it was not on all of them, how can I tell if mine has it? Thanks.

 

as far as I know, '96 to..im going to say '04 tacos and 4runners with a 3.4L and TRD package came standard with a rear E-locker....

 

It means that if you had the optional locker, your rear diff was 4.3. There are more 4runners without it, than with it.
They were found mostly on the Sports/highlander editions and Limited editions, and also on some SR5's (3rd gen 4Runners never had a TRD ed.).

 

how can i tell if i have it? is there like a switch or button for it?

 

No, you do not have one. Only some have a limited slip from the factory, which is not a locker anyway, and most of the limited slips come in non us models. So the chance of you having on is slim. The word OPTIONAL means that some have it and some don't, so not ALL 4x4s have them.
As far as the gears go, it is verry difficult to tell what you have. The most popular gearset is a 4.10. You can look at your axle code, to se what it says you have, but many people have found that these are not accurate.
The easiest way to tell if you have a locker is to jack up the rear and turn one tire, if both spin in same direction you could have a locker, and if they spin in opposite directions it is an open diff.

EDIT: sorry, didn't see your sig.
Yes, they had an optional e-locker. best way to tell is if you have the selinoid on the third member, You should be able to find some pics if you search for e-locker. It is quite noticable. You will also have a switch for it.

 

oops, sorry i forgot to answer that question. The switch will be to the left of the steering wheel by your dimmer switch and it will have orange letters RR DIFF LOCK

 

mines not equipped with one then. guess if i ever get one ill call ARB.

btw, according to the axel codes, i have the 4.10s. weather thats right or not, idk.

 

thats only if it is locked will they spin together. He is not referring to an LSD but the optional rear electric locker found on the 3rd gen 4Runners/4th gen taco's

 

Yes, sorry, I did not see his sig before. I edited my first post.

 

Mine has it, 2000 4wd SR5 manual transmission. Never used it yet but I don't off road too much.

 

mine has it as well, 2000 V6, SR5, 4x4. I have the 4.10 gears, i checked them the other day. Works great, just push the button in the dash.

 

i wish mine had it but id probably still never use it. just nice to have the option. im workin on a pickup right now though. my 4runner is the dd. the pickup is the toy.

 

I have a 98 4runner w/o a locking diff, what would be involved in making it a locking? i.e. can i just throw in an air locker or e locker, or do i need to replace all the internals like gears and the axle?

 

you can modify your housing to fit the elocker, or you can just throw in an arb or any other locker.

You don't need new gears, but since your already in the diff might as well regear.

 

when you say re gear do you mean change the gearing, or replace the gears? and im sure im gonna open up a can of worms with this next one, but which is better, pros/cons, elocker or air locker like the ARB

 

I am sure he ment to say replace to a different gearing in the rear but if you do you have to regear the front the same as the rear or you will have a very bad day next time you put it in 4 wd say bye bye to the transfer case.

As for which is better I would say it is a matter of preferance the ARB is very nice and expensive with a few things that can go wrong over time such as air lines breaking or leaking air compressor or air storage going bad.

The elocker you could have engageing issues and or bad wirng issues not to mention the locker itself getting abused on the trail accidentily.

Both are flip of the switch lock and unlock so as for the better set up it all comes down to what you want to do. Money wise I think your going to get off cheaper with the elocker and it is a stock toyota part so you can get parts easy enough. The ARB are a lot more expensive when you factor in all the extra's needed like the compressor and storage tank and parts are not quite as easy as driving to the local dealer to pick them up and go home to fix or replace.

 

if i did this, id go the ARB way. electronic stuff and water just doesnt make sense to me. i think the air lockers are better persoanlly.

im trying to decide if i want to make my 4Runner a trail/mud/wheelin rig or buy a 2nd or 3rd gen truck and do it to that. my 4Runner is a real nice vehicle. i dont know if id want to put a perfect 4Runner through soem stuff like a purpose built trail truck would go through. hmmm

 

im thinking air cause i already have an air system set up for tires, and a kong train horn. but what about a manual locking diff, or is that entirely out of the question?

 

I love my 4runer for the trails, even without a locker and just new tires and a lift its a beast on the trails, some good sliders and a bull bar make a world of difference in body damage. but its not good with watery mud (like most toyotas) but if you check out my pics youll see you can have a damn good time in a mud hole or on the trails with it

 

If you don't want it I'll trade ya!