so I got a taco TRD rear end w/ E-locker.....what all would be involved to make it work on a 96 4-runner?

 

You will need to modify the 4Runner housing so the elocker can fit. There is a site on how to do that, but I don't have it, maybe someone else will chime in. Also, is your 4Runner 4x4? If so, are the gears the same? You'll also need some wiring for the e-locker, either factory or aftermarket. I ordered an Inchworm wiring kit when I did my retrofit.

 

thanks for the info....I was actually thinkin' about just swappin' the axles...but as I understand it, the 4-runner uses coilovers and not leafsprings? I figured the wiring n stuff like that...just wondering if it'll bolt up...like are they the same width and everything...and what about the brakes...are the 4-runners disc brakes in the rear?

 

The 4Runner uses coil springs and also has upper and lower control arms and a panhard rod that aren't on the Taco axle. I believe the width is the same. My '99 4Runner has rear drum brakes, I believe all '96-'02 4Runners have drums.

 

Oh yeah, if the 4Runner has abs, the axle will need that too, unless you just swap the thirds. Swapping the thirds and modifying the 4Runner housing is probably the easier way to go.

 

hmm....thanks...sounds like a lot more work than I expected...

 

Just wondering, how much did the rear end cost you? Did you get it from a boneyard?

 

the taco axle is wider by about 2" IIRC. just do the third swap and don't do the whole thing unless you do your homework.

 

Why are you putting a E-Locker in the rear...why don't you just but a set of Detroit Lockers and be done with it.

 

probably so he can have control over it

 

Yeah but a Detroit will be a lot easier to install and a lot better than an e-locker.

 

I thought that the taco axles and 4runner axles were the same 60" length!!! WTF???

 

maybe i was thinking of a 1st or 2nd gen instead of a 3rd gen. i think they're the same width on a 96-02 runner and a 95-2004 taco.

 

thats what i was going to say

 

Here is your opportunity to convert your 4 Runner to leaves...it really isn't too hard, just cutting, measuring, welding = a lot of labor.

 

snwbdr

imho, better to retrofit the locker into your existing housing. or buy a bare axle that used to have a locker in it and then swap the internal parts. search "e-locker retrofit".

but better how? installation is straightforward like you mentioned, but they have a lot of cons like non selectable, clicking, always on, barking around corners if you don't have good control on corners to name a few. don't get me wrong...they are not bad, but be careful when you offer a definitive, subjective opinion like "better".

 

Yeah - I agree on the locker thing. On my 2 trucks I have 1 e-locker, 1 ARB, and 1 lunchbox. The powertrax locker works, but it is a DISTANT 3rd to the other 2 IMO. It is harsh, chirpy, and sometimes slightly unpredictable. I will never buy another. I will save and get a selectable.

 

Anyone realize that this thread is 2 years old?!



Taco axles and 4runner axles are supposed to be the same width... or so I thought.

 

If it helps me answer my questions, I don't mind at all. I search, I find, and I get updated...