I have a 99 4runner and I'm to the point where I need to lock it and armor up a bit. I need some schooling on what kind of locker would be a good option for myself keeping a budget and durability in mind. So before I go do some shopping can I get some opinions on what are some of my options? I have the stock 4:10 gear so I believe that unless I swap out the entire axle some re-gearing will be needed right? I think I want an stock e-locker something like these http://car-part.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi

Also can someone just give me a bottom line of what would need to be done to make the swap and how hard it is. Thanks all

 

Really depends on what you want to use you rig for. If you are just doing mild trails and snow travel, I would look at Aussie lockers, TRD LSD, Detroit truetrac, something mild. If you want to get crazy go for a full locker, ARB, full Detroit, or Spool it. You don't need to re-gear it if you are planning on staying with 265s. 285s go to 488s.

I would look for a slightly used, complete TRD LSD 3rd member with 4.88s for the rear and just have the front re geared. I have seen them for fairly cheap. That way you can just pull the axles and slide in the new 3rd. Piece of cake. Installing everything yourself involves a bit more headache.

 

Given that you have an IFS ride, you probably won't be doing anything toooo crazy. An e-locker is nice and is what I currently have on my Taco but I also have a '99 4Runner that I put Detroit Truetracs in the front and rear. I found this set up more capable in most situations that just having a locked rear, with the only drawback being that it has a tendency to "crab" on steep slick rock traverses.

 

How would you describe "crab" and why on slick rock?

 

I was thinking the TRD elocker was the choice for me. My use will be exactly for mild trails and snow travel. Also I do want to put some 285/75/16 on my rig as soon as I can.

Where can I find the trd elocker and how much can I expect to pay?

Last of all if I understand correctly I will have to re-gear the front if I upgrade to the 4:88 in the rear right?

Thanks guys

 

If there is any tire spin, the truck side slips a little bit. If both back tires are spinning, there is nothing to anchor your back end in place and it tries to get down hill of you. All lockers do this.

 

After reading the sonoransteel write up below and just thinking about what my uses for my rig are. I think I will try to find an elocker with the stock 4:10 gears. I'm not going to be using my rig for extreme trails all I really want it to do is take me wheeling on the weekends and provide some extra comfort on those winter trips to Northern Michigan. And last of all from all that I've read if I bump up to 285/75/16 I shouldn't see any sort of significant power loss.

Here is the write up: http://www.sonoransteel.com/phong/re...ic_locker.html