locking a 3rd gen 4runner
 

How does everyone like their factory e-locker?? I'm looking to lock my 4runner and am considering getting a factory 3rd member with an e-locker installed. Are there any common problems with the factory locker or would I be better off getting an arb or something else??

I swapped one into my 4Runner as well. I paid $450 from a yard for the entire axle assembly and wiring.

I sold my original axle for $375 so for $75 I got locked. I'd say from an economics stand point the E-locker was a smart move. Compared to around $1000 to do an ARB w/compressor and installation.

It works great, and if I didn' tell you. You wouldn't know it wasn't a factory item on my vehicle.

Nice truck BTW!

man, you came out with a nice deal there!! I came across a brand new 3rd with an e-locker for about $750, but maybe I'll check some junk yards too.
How was the install? Did you have to run all of the extra wiring for the locker, or was any of it prewired?

oh and thanks for the complement, Jim!! Although I have to say your truck is freakin' awesome compared to mine, maybe it will be there one day. :P

I did get lucky and I was partially prewired. I think a lot of 2000's were (is yours?). I only had to run 6 wires to the back, plug in the ECU (existing harness), plug in the switch (existing harness) and I was done. The Actual axle swap was cake, I think it took abouy 2 hours with a few guys helping.

I'll have to see if mine is prewired. What should I look for??

Pull the driver's side kick panel and see if there is an open plug it should have about 10 wires in it.

Here is a write up I found doing a quick search, there is a picture of the plug in it. E-Locker Retrofit

Whatever locker you get - you'll love having it. Retrofitting the e-locker was the best mod I've done to my truck.

John

Jim, did you swap out the entire axel, or just the 3rd member?

I hope so!! I'm sure it will come in handy alot :D

I assume this isnt possible for 01 with center lock diff? i doubt that i have prewired rig from factory

Will an e-locking 3rd bolt right into my 2000 rear end, or am I going to have to do the whole welding, cutting, retrofit? I was told at toyota-parts.com it would just bolt in, but thats not the case according to the write-ups. Or is the write up just for older axels?

I'm pretty sure that you will have to cut the notch out for the shift fork, and drill and tap for a couple studs

It takes the more expensive gears due to special shims in the install kits.
My brother has a 4.30 E-locker 3rd member from a 97 for sale if any one want to do the swap.