Does anyone have experience with either of these lockers? I'm trying to figure out a couple of things:

Which locker is better and why?

How much for all the parts of each setup?

Have you or a friend had either locker break down and if so, what part broke?

Thanks!

 

First, welcome to YT!
People here are great and you'll learn a lot!

Not that I have any first hand experience but I've heard from a few people that the E-locker is better as the ARB air locker is dependent on the compressor which will sooner or later crap out because of the constant strain of maintaining the air flow.

That's what I've heard though, I don't have any experience to back this up.

 

E-locker. The ARB requires constant air to keep the locker engaged. With the E-locker, it is run off of a pulse. It doesn't need constant electricity to run. A pulse engages it. It will stay that way even if the wires get cut.

 

I replied to the other thread as well.

I have dual ARB's and love it.

ARB rear thirds bolt right in, e-locker thirds require modifications.

My ARB compressor is no where near "crapping out" after running the lockers for the last 18 months or so. The lockers require constant air pressure to remain activated, but the compressor has a tank so it does not run the whole time.

ARB's engage and disengage quicker.

Cost becomes a wash if you are regearing.

 

Are there any aftermarket E-lockers for the 4Runners that are pretty much the same as the OEM one from Toyota or can you buy the stock one? How much does the average install cost?

 

OEM is the only option as far as E-lockers. You can get them used for about 1/2 the price. That's what I did. (www.car-part.com). I had Offroad Solutions (in Lakewood) install mine - cost me about $650 for them to wire it, modify the housing and install it. You could save about $200 off that price if you wire it yourself.

I went the used e-locker route versus an ARB because of the price. But if you got a new 3rd with e-locker your about the same as far as money.

John

 

How much did you get the used e-locker for? did the 650 include the wire? did the wiring harnest and wire come with the e-locker?

thanks for the information!!

 

what about the electrac? limited slip when unlocked, and fully locked when engaged. that is what i would buy.

 

joez-I dont think the electrac is out yet for the toyota 8" .

I would get an ARB so I have an excuse to get a air compressor too

 

This was linked on a virtually identical thread earlier this year:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...ARB+vs+elocker

 

john -

search www.car-part.com for 96-00 4Runners with the e-locker. search carriers with diff lock and whatever gear ratio you want. you can swap the rear third with the modifications. for the front you can buy a 3rd with the ARB and gears set up and just swap that in. at least this is how i would do it.

marc z got 4.88s and ARBs put in a month ago from patrick at 4x4customs near his house. paul is getting 4.88s and ARBs put in (maybe he already has them) too. so try to get a hold of them.

 

I forget if it is Electrac or the Eaton E-locker, but one of them got sued by Toyota because the locker they were marketing would be fundamentally identical to the stock Toy e-locker. Because of this, there will never be one of those, I want to say the Eaton one, available for a Toy.

 

I got mine used for $325 - shipped to my door. No it didn't come with the wiring harness.

I'm still curious if anyone has tried Inchworm Gear's "E-Locker control Kit" for $75

"The electric locker control kit contains everything you need to engage and disengage your new electric locker. The switch, wires, relays, resistors, connectors, and zip ties are all included. It's also complete with instructions so you can install it."
--From Inchworm's website... www.inchwormgear.com

That seems like a fairly inexpensive way to wire it up.

John

 

ARB... hands down. It's a stronger carrier. For serious wheeling everybody knows that you choose between a Detroit and an ARB. Nothing else can replace the carrier w/ anything stronger except for a spool.

 

ARB because they make a cool sound when you disengage 'em.

 

Ha! That could be a deciding factor.

 

is the inchworm E-locker just the OEM one?

 

Yes. Jim sells new e-locker diffs for a decent price and can regear them for you. His service is excellent.


As for the $75 kit, you can get everything you need to build a crude control system for around $20. In my opinion if you're gonna spend that much for the electronics you might as well go all the way and use the stock ECUs, they work very well and give you some basic diagnostics info through the indicator light.

 

How bout a good place to find used elocker, cause they are probably cheaper. I didnt see any decent priced one on car-part.com

 

I just did a search and found a bunch of e-locker diffs on car-part. Try searching for "carrier." Here's one:1997 Carrier Toyota 4Runner Axl, w/diff lock, 4.30 ratio- A04A N30634 $300.18 LKQ - Midwest Auto Parts USA-NE(Omaha) E-mail 1-800-456-9683

Go for it!