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Factory E-locker

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by wflthree, Jan 10, 2021.

  1. Jan 10, 2021 at 10:26 AM
    #1
    wflthree

    wflthree [OP] New Member

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    I have a 97 Limited with axle code A03A. From my understanding this is a 4.10 ratio differential. Did Toyota offer the E-locker option in that ratio or only in the 4.30? Thinking about going with a Detroit locker set up on the rear so I don’t have to worry about fooling with the front differential at this time. Truck is a toy that I use to pull a small boat to a couple of private lakes that have no ramps and plan to off road with it some
     
  2. Jan 10, 2021 at 10:39 AM
    #2
    Kwikvette

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    What does your gear ratio have to do with your question about a factory rear locker?

    Do a spin test to find your gear ratio.

    If you're unsure if you have a rear locker, there will be a wire loom coming from your rear diff, an actuator on the rear diff, and a push button to the left of your steering column.

    Tons of threads on the sticker code and gearing actually on the truck.
     
  3. Jan 10, 2021 at 10:59 AM
    #3
    wflthree

    wflthree [OP] New Member

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    I know it doesn’t have a locker. Ratio makes a difference if I want to go pull one out of the junkyard. I can’t go putting a 4.3 in when I have 4.1 without also doing the front differential
     
  4. Jan 10, 2021 at 11:10 AM
    #4
    Kwikvette

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    See you didn't mention yanking one out of another vehicle...makes sense why you ask.

    Non e locker 3rd member is 8.4" (even though the ring gear is the same size) whereas an e locker is 8"

    You cannot put in an e locker 3rd into a non e locker housing.

    You'd need the whole rear end to swap.

    Unsure if you know that or not.
     
  5. Jan 10, 2021 at 12:15 PM
    #5
    Kwikvette

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    If you want to forego the aftermarket option, and stay factory, get a locker from a 1st Gen Tacoma as they were offered in 4.10 (V6 auto).

    You'd still need the rear axle housing from a 4Runner though as Tacoma's have a spring perch welded on due to the use of leaf springs vs our 4 link and panhard bar with coils.
     
  6. Jan 10, 2021 at 2:11 PM
    #6
    wflthree

    wflthree [OP] New Member

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    Didn’t know that, thank you. With that said, did Toyota sell any 4Runners with axle using 4.10 3rd member that had e-locker?
     
  7. Jan 10, 2021 at 2:20 PM
    #7
    Kwikvette

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    You got 4.30 if it had an e locker.

    Finding one from a Tacoma will be easy; finding an e locker housing from a 4Runner will be tough.
     
  8. Jan 10, 2021 at 2:22 PM
    #8
    wflthree

    wflthree [OP] New Member

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    So my cheapest and easiest out is to buy an automatic locker and use what I have. Don’t want to have to do both front and rear end
     
  9. Jan 10, 2021 at 2:25 PM
    #9
    Kwikvette

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    Well I mean, you don't need a locker at all but it's definitely useful if you off road.

    Getting one up front as well will just make it a beast.

    Go Harrop as they make a badass selectable locker -

    20201218_205519.jpg
     
  10. Jan 10, 2021 at 2:50 PM
    #10
    wflthree

    wflthree [OP] New Member

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    That’s nice but they sure are proud of it. Wanting to add a bumper and winch too.
     
  11. Jan 10, 2021 at 3:13 PM
    #11
    Kwikvette

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    Normal price for a selectable locker.

    Being electronic, there's no maintenance needed such as an ARB, not to mention the need for air when going ARB.

    Factory e lockers are pretty damn strong already; unfortunately Toyota only offered them for the rear for Tacoma's and 4Runner's.

    I'd skip a bumper and winch considering a locker is something you can use often. Unless you're talking rear bumper...factory one hangs pretty low. Especially the tow hitch.
     

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