Finally got my rear locker installed on the 4th gen sometime last week. Just had a chance to try it out and make sure it works! (it was all soft stuff so I couldn't tell but I'm excited!!)

For those that are seriously considering getting a rear locker. Make sure you order the RD23 as this is the correct number. The installation should be a piece of cake for any shop to do (I for one am not skilled enough to do this mod...) You can shop around for prices on labor as that will vary. Also make sure you factor in the cost of the labor for the wiring up as well as getting the compressor all connected as well. Rates will vary according to location (mine was $$$ but they offer a lifetime warranty on the installation so no worries for me I guess).

Anyway.. (no photos of the rear member since I'm in some work clothes...) here are some photos of the switch! The switch I used was the stock ARB compressor and the 80 series LC switch.

ARB Compressor switch (controlling the ExtremeAire Compressor that I've been using to air up my tires!)


Front angle of locker switch (can control both front and rear - obviously no front yet) Notice where my CB is located. It fits perfectly in that spot (abit of trimming as usual). The open spot on the right fits perfect for my cell phone! woohoo!


a few more angles for ya.


yet another shot!


Time to hit some trails now! woohoo!

 

very, very cool. nice mod lance. love the switch
can't wait to hit up some trails with ya next time.

 

That's got to be the 1st locker in a new Runner. Do you have any places to test. Like some local spots where you had a hard time and can tell a diff after the locker. I know when I put an Eaton in my old rig I took the wife out to a local hill and cake walked right up it to show her the "POWER OF THE LOCKER"! If you get manual front hubs you can keep them un-enguaged then lock the back and run a low range posi with the real wheels only.

Very cool!

 

Nicely done my friend What happens if a front locker comes out, will you change your dial switch?

 

he won't need to . that one swtich allows you to activate either (1) the rear locker, or (2) the front and rear lockers. the beauty of oem.

 

I always thought you had to have the switch that says FR & RR

 

Sweet!!!!!!!!

 

Tracy, your rig would be complete with one of these. By the way did you see the post of the altima guys using your runner as an example of an SUV they would want?

 

Looks good Lance. You have the exact same CB as me.

http://community.webshots.com/photo/...04772216GteqTZ

 

GoodTimes, how much did that set you back? (locker and labor) Where did you pick it up from?
Looks great! Let us know how it works.

Herman

 

NICE Lance!!!
It's amazing watching this evolution step by step... I'm wondering what it'll look like in its final incarnation

 

goodtimes
sweet but I thought with 4wd you could easily overcome obstacles without a locker.

rocky
whats wrong with you I never said you had a penis, I said you did not have a penis but he over came it, meaning if any of those brainless idiots asked why I was gonna say cause he is a she I never meant you had 1 in any given time but I've heard children born with both sexes they usually just cut the penis off cause duh but now that you bring these inner emotions up maybe you where 1 of those kids

 

they are called hermaphrodites, and no, i was not one.

 

are you sure about that, it might be time you sit down with the parents and have a little talk

 

nice.


anyway, back to talking about Lance's rear locker ...
i can't wait to hear what you think of it after you take it offroad ... i'd be interested to know how big a difference it makes as compared to the stock capabilities.

 

Argh! Looking at rig's like yours make me feel like my rig is so "thrown together."

Great job on the switches and professional installs - and being a pioneer with the 4th gen. Very cool!

 

Even with ATRAC a locker is still better, especially when you do rocks like he does. Now just the front diff needs to get a locker, but nothing from ARB yet.

 

First off, thanks for all the warm complements! =)

I picked up the rear locker from Mike (www.xtremeoff-road.com) - seems like mike is currently redesigning is site. His username here is "XtremeOff-Road". He'll be able to get anything you need! I found a few places selling then from anywhere between 675-750 (plus tax/shipping if applicable). I did find a shop in Santa Maria, CA that was selling it for 625 but I already placed the order with Mike so no biggie. I'm all for Mike since he's able to get ya anything you need no hassle!! (two thumbs up!) (btw, he's quick on filling the orders too)

Locker got installed at T&J Performance Center who specializes on locker/gear install. They do a full service for heeps as that's their bread and butter. But locker install is not rocket science so installation on a yota is just as easy. Their prices are not the cheapest by far. I was able to get quotes from other places ranging from 450-650 (including misc parts and install - does not include locker or compressor hardware). T&J's price ended up to be 700 for labor alone (eek) and about 100 bucks in misc parts (solenoid,relay, etc etc to plumb the existing compressor). They definitely were not the cheapest by any standard (I still feel like I got milked abit! :banghead but everyone that has gone there has assured me that if anything goes wrong, they will fix it for free (outside of normal wear and tear from abuse that is ofcourse). So I guess in that sense it's one of those warm security blanket feeling. I don't expect anything to break but you never know (doh!)

As for the front locker, ARB will have a front locker by October 2005. That is their expected shelf date. They are currently in development on these as it's completely new and does not fit into any of the existing diffs so they expect a 1 yr R&D time. I'm "suppose to get notified" when the front is ready so I"ll keep ya guys posted (crossing fingers that they don't forget!)

Hopefully I'll be able to test it out on some real trails soon to see how this rear locker works!

 

Marc, I had the Uniden 78LTW (i think that's the model #.. it's the 78 w/ weatherband) but that was abit big and got in the way of where my drivers visor was located. I noticed you had the small one down below so I figured that should fit inside the center console and surprise surprise it did!! woohoo!

It works so I'm all excited. I've also attached a external speaker locked where my driver side grab handle (top of the pillar next to the head) is located so now I can hear everyone talk really nicely

 

Hi Lance, you mentioned that there is a store in santa Maria selling the locker for 625, can you give me their info, I am planning to get one at this moment. THanks a lot!!