Well, I (finally) got my EZ locker delivered today
Apparently it's "supposed" to be relatively easy to install yourself with a helper or two.
I myself am nowhere near mechanically inclined but I have a friend who is...although he says he's never touched a differential.
I want to install it myself and save the $$ on labor, so is it worth the try? Any advice from those experienced?
Thanks!

 

i havent done it, but the easy locker is a lunchbox type meaning no install of the gears needed... so you just pull the third member, yank the pinion gears/spiders and drop the locker in and put it back together

 

I don't know how mechanically inclined you are. But if not, find someone who has done it before to help you. This is one of those things that is not hard, but its nice to have seen one done before you do it.

 

It's pretty much just a jigsaw puzzle of gears. If you don't pay close attention when taking everything apart, you can get into a bit of trouble

 

lol, yeah that's what I'm afraid of. My friend that's going to be helping me out is good with mechanics...especially things involving engine work. But, when it comes to differentials, he doesn't have much experience. So I'm hoping this turns out ok. So far it sounds like the most important part is remembering how to put it back together
I've got a fairly good memory so hopefully all goes well.
I'll let you guys know how it turns out

 

just make sure that you measure the backlash before you take it apart, and set it exactly the same when going back together

 

good artical on installing a lock right- same basic proceedure.

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/lockright_locker/

 

Get out your camera and take plenty of pics as you disassemble so you can assist your "fairly good memory". I find that as hard as I try to pay attention, there is always something you have a question about sooner or later.

 

Here's a sad story....
I ordered the 8" part after doing some research, but then decided to call the shop to make sure that was what I needed. I gave the guy my truck's specs, , year, ect., and he said that I needed the 7.5"....not the 8". I figured ok, he knows best, so I ordered it.
Well, as you know, it came a few days ago. I took my truck over to my friend's place today to do the installation.
We get the differential off, drain the fluid, bleed the brakes, take apart the diff., and assemble the locker. We put it in the carrier, and wouldn't ya know it.....IT DIDNT FIT!!! : :
Turns out I DID need the 8"....2wd Tacoma Prerunner's use a 4x4 differential unit.
So my friend and I had to put the whole open differential back together. I have to return the locker, exchange it for the right one, and start over again.
I'm not a happy camper right now

 

oh man, that sucks, hope everything turns out for the best man!

just kick back a couple dozen cold ones.... youll be ok.

wade

 

Havin some cold ones sounds really good right now!
Thanks for the support, I sure I hope I get the right part next time :pat: The bright side is that at least now once I get the right part, it'll be alot easier to install...I'll have a better idea of what I'm doing.
I'll keep ya guys posted

 

yeah the 7.5 is for the front, right?

well good luck with the next one. on the bright side, you have some diff experience now

 

lol, tell me about it. This is the first real mechanical job I've ever performed (with help from a friend), and I think I learned a thing or two
I dunno if the 7.5 is for the front diff's, but I know it's for the rear diff's on all 2wd Toyotas, with the exception of mine of course, which I had to figure out the hard way :pat: (Tacoma Prerunners got the 4wd rear differential)
But, all in all, it'll make it easier once I get the right part.

 

You'll have to let us know how this performs on the road. I too am thinking about a rear locker. But am sort of leaning towards a selectable one.

 

I'd prefer a selectable one but its waaaay to far outta my budget. I've heard that the Detroit EZ and soft lockers are more reliable anyway, i.e. less parts to break(no hoses, wires, compressors) but you dont have the convenience of an on/off switch. I figure I can put up with the ratcheting and noises so the EZ seemed a good (inexpensive) choice.
I'll let you know how it performs (if I ever get the right part )

 

UPDATE:

Well I called the shop to see which 8" part I actually need, and according to the guy, he says I need "the 8" T-100 4x4 locker". These are the only two 8" parts on their site so I'm assuming its the second one....

EZ 813A015
Toyota 8", 4 Cylinder

or

EZ 813A028
Toyota 8", V6 & Turbo 4 Cylinder

I'm assuming its the second one, since the T-100 came with the 3.4 v6 and not a 4 cyl.
Any advice, input, knowledge, would be great....I really dont want to end up with the wrong part again!
Thanks!

 

easy way to tell...the 4 cylinder version is a 2 pinion design where as the V6 is 4 pinion......you have already had yours out and you probably noticed your case is the 4 pinion closed full case design....has 8 long bolts on the ring gear side holding the case together......just like this one.... http://zukaz.tripod.com/josh.htm

 

Thanks!!!

 

i installed my ez locker in the front of my 85 by myself and i am very happy with it. just follow those instructions mark everything as you take it apart of course you already know this...... as far as a locker in the rear of a daily driver you will get some stinkeye in parking lots when rounding corners on the gas, and in the rain you have to be really wary rounding corners but, once you get used to the traction you wouldnt trade it for anything. i have have a rear detriot i've learned to just ignore the old ladys giving me dirty looks and man does that pig climb