I'm really wanting to retrofit my 99 Highlander with an
e-locker. I did a lot of searching on this, but I am curious what the total cost should be, ballpark? I have a 3rd located for $300 or a whole axle for $500. Is there any chance my Highlander edition was factory wired for the locker already and how can I tell for sure? If the wiring is already there, is it pretty much plug and play after installing the new axle? Thanks in advance guys!

 

if you dont mind, im going to add a second question to your post - Who Is the guy who retro-fits non locker 3rds into locked 3rds? I think he's in arizona??

 

I did mine for $550 and got most of the wiring I needed for free when I bought the e-locker 3rd. I would go for the whole axle (as long as its not bent).

 

Don't mind at all, that is what this site is all about anyway.

 

where r u guys finding parts? must have an E locker myself. i think This is a write up about retrofitting a non-locker 3rd.

 

oops. i lied^ "bolted on locker 3rd." sorry for the tease

 

mine came with the truck so it cost me about 8500

 

Total cost really depends on where you source the parts and how much you're willing to spend. It can vary all over the place.

To eliminate the hassle of retrofitting a 3rd member, I bought a complete (drum to drum) '99 axle w/e-locker for $550 and I'm planning to get an ORS wiring harness for $160-$180. Total spent will be around $780. Still much cheaper to the comparable/alternative ARB locker.

criagslist.com is good place to find one, must be patient though, search daily, call and email questions. Most sellers who part out 3rd gens have no idea what an e-locker is. I was fortunate to find mine here through a local member.

 

Something else to consider...
Depending on how you perceive it, the only downside or upside is the added expense of re-gearing. i.e. My 4runner currently has 4.10's (5spd) but the axle I bought has 4.30's (auto) and I have 285's ready to mount.
I would much rather prefer 4.30s but unfortunately, only Toyota makes them. That leaves me searching for a used front 3rd or spend a crap load of money to re-gear both f/r for a ratio that isn't ideal.

 

SO, with the full axle replacement, is it pretty much plug and play with the ORS harness? I guess I'm wondering if you have to run a bunch of wires and such?

 

A 99 Highlander has IRS, Independent Rear Suspention. Your going to have to completely re-do the rear suspention of the Highlander to put a solid axle with a locker under it.


Looking at you avatar, looks like a 4runner.

If you swap the entire housing, you can either run the a stock wiring harness for the diff and have it work as it would if it came stock. MY suggestion would be to make your own harness so that you can lock it whenever you wanted. (not only in 4L)

 

?????? IRS..... You may be thinking of something different.

 

The guy in arizona is ZUK

 

He's not talking about the Toyota Highlander. They didn't even start making the Highlanders till 2001. He's talking about the 1999 4Runner Highlander Edition, which is equivalent to a "Sport Edition".

 

I was looking at getting a complete e-locker axle for me '84 runner, and was wondering if any of the complete factory e-locker axles will bolt right up. Or would I have to have the spring perches cut and re-welded.

Just curious at this point as I had an offer on my runner (wasn't planning on selling) so no more mods for now. If this guy changes his mind though I'll be looking to do this mod.

 

I have a rear axle with e-locker located and the guy said that they have the entire truck there and I was welcome to take the harness and RR Diff switch also. Is that all that I need and will that just plug in and work?

 

When I swapped axles in my 96 4runner I got the wiring harness from the locker to the body and then used an inchworm control harness for the rest (still needed some addtional wire though) and the factory switch.

Swapping the whole axle is alot easier than modify the axle housing to accept the diff.