For The Guys That Bought an Aftermarket Locker

Was it worth it and would you do it again?

EDIT 4/19: I have an SR5 and am asking about rear lockers only. If I go down this hole, I will install an Eaton E-Locker.

 

If you are asking about air lockers, the Internet is split between they are fine if you use them and maintain and properly or they are absolute garbage that never works.

I have an air locker on my 80. I’ve used it twice and it has worked twice.

 

I didn't know they need maintenance. Please educate me what maintenance need. Thanks in advance.

I'm thinking Eton elocker vs ARB front locker. In addition to my main concern of the strength of IFS axle & tie rods I'm also thinking if it can have any water damage with after market lockers in front. No deep water crossings, just some streams where stock air box and rear diff breather is enough for me for now.

I don't absolutely need it. One of those things nice to have for convenience not to spin wheels and smooth driving.


Edit -

Yes, the shop already make me aware that if I get e-locker can release if I roll back.

 

Every ARB manual suggests you flush the system with compressed air every six months to keep it from becoming fouled.

 

Damn, wish it was easy as engaging it ones a month or so.

I guess I might look more if there is any other problems or any maintenance on the e-ton elocker. Also checking how much damage it can do for weak IFS systems. I see FJ bending tie rods, I guess its would be same for 4Runner/GX/ newer Land cruiser IFS? I guess axles would be next at risk?

 

I put ARBs in both front and rear on my 2018. The front locker does have a strong influence on steering so I’m sure it puts a lot of stress on the parts you are worried about. I’ve never actually used the front one aside from playing around. I mildly regret the front one. It’s a major PIA to install. I also worry that someone may actuate it while traveling at speed before actuating 4wd. Surely that would be bad with the entire front diff and driveline suddenly slammed into full speed.
ARBs do get gear oil in the air lines over time. I’ve also experienced internal air leakage at “cold start”. That cleared up after a little use. They are quiet, seem substantial, and they do work. Their kits are pretty complete with shims and decent instructions if you’re inclined on that sort of chore. The switches do not fit in the Toyota dashboard switch opening without enlarging the opening.

 

Thank you for your info. Really appreciate that..

 

I know many with 5th gens, use a spartan locker in the front. It is only locked, when the front drive shaft spins, so street driving, in 2wd is same. Thats what i see on the trails more than a ARB. That said, i know 3 or 4 dozen people, with arb lockers (in other rigs) that LOVE them, and dont hear of many issues.



To JohnD above, if your that worried about locking or unlocking on a whim, run a relay that closes (then use the switch for "i want it only now" type of lock up) only when its in 4 wheel drive. And would interrupt (open) when not. Seems that would be real real easy.

 

I am not asking about air lockers. I am asking about rear lockers. My bad for not stating this in the OP. I have an SR5. If I decide to have one installed, it will be an Eaton E-locker.
Before I drop the coin I would like to know:
If you bought an aftermarket Rear locker, was the money spent worth it. And would you do it again?

 

DO IT!!!

If you do, you’ll have to get a golden version of your “Sh*tbox Edition” emblem. Because that vehicle is moving on up!

Hopefully somebody that has actual information on the eaton e-lockers chimes in. Like you, I’d prefer to use an e-locker, especially to avoid having to use an air system with separate maintainance needs.

I’ve only used my rear locker once for effect, when my opposite corners lost traction and came to a dead stop. It was pretty neat to hit “lock” and roll through without any fuss. A-trac is fine and would have worked, but a locker is a locker !

edit: I’d love a front locker too. Anybody know if there are aftermarket front e-lockers available? Eh, probably better I don’t know… those things are weapons. I probably coulfdn’t be trusted not to shatter the front end or drive straight off a cliff because I can’t steer

 

E-lockers sound good, but for the off road stuff that I do, 4H & 4L is more than sufficient.

 

I am going to Moab in October. I do not want to "make a call" while out there. Specifically Hells Revenge, including Hells Gate, Poison Spider and Fins and Things are on the menu. Other, less difficult trails as well. I do have a winch. The wild card is if I can do Hells Gate without a locker.

 

I would probably install it now and test it out before you try something like Hells revenge and wonder if your install went correctly.

 

So, we got a call from a guy with an SR5 4Runner, and no rear locker... Ed, what's today temperature. LOL

 

Sounds like a fun trip. Possibly the ATRAC will suffice. I personally don’t get into off camber situations so I’ve never had a problem with just regular 4wd.

Have fun and be safe.

 

I fully support a forum members journey to mod. You might get some some traction (dur hur) with e-locker question in the tech section of this forum.

Or searching around in ih8mud.com forums might get you some info. Make sure you block ads before visiting, otherwise you’ll want to throw your phone against a wall. Here’s one link I found that give you more things to think about than maybe you want to see.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/pondering-a-rear-locker.1268142/#post-14136003

 

]

The local 4x4 shop will do the install. Diffs are out of my league. The shop has a stellar reputation and has been around for years.

Yeah, I don't want that to happen. This post may be the one that convinces me to just do it.

I am pretty sure at some point the wheels are coming off the ground.

 

My bad OP,.. I assumed you where talking about locking the front. Sorry bout that.

 

Do you mind sharing the 4x4 shop you use?

 

I can't decide what to do. 4.88 is happening in a couple of weeks, but I am not sure which locker to go with, ARB or Eaton.

 

In my experience, ARB is as good as the installer. In other words, the only ARB fails I’ve seen were caused by installation errors.

I swear by ECGS. The easy button is their 3rd members built to your specs. I got 4.88s and ARB front and rear. It’s been flawless for years.

 

Personally I wouldn't recommend doing Hell's Gate without a rear locker.

 

Don't you think I will be overgeared on 34s? I don't want to mess up my truck's highway manners

 

Yes, you’ll be over geared for 34s. But aren’t 34s just a “gateway tire”? Soon after that you’ll be looking for another fix!

 

35/12.50 KM3 is the fix lol

 

Well, I did....twice. I still don't have a locker. Haven't been convinced that I need one. A-TRAC has gotten me out of every jam I managed to get into.
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=LWY5QnF2X2pOQnE2SFgyQVBkYjZlZ1ZNS0FlZ2h3

 

Then why are you asking numb nuts!

Your post posing this question:
"I am going to Moab in October. I do not want to "make a call" while out there. Specifically Hells Revenge, including Hells Gate, Poison Spider and Fins and Things are on the menu. Other, less difficult trails as well. I do have a winch. The wild card is if I can do Hells Gate without a locker."

 

You do know that was two years ago, right?

 

Your timing is off. I started this post months before my 1st trip to Moab. I asked as I wanted opinions from the gallery. In the end, I decide not to get a locker and knocked off Hell's Gate anyway. You join the conversation 2 years after the fact and then wonder why I asked. F'n thread is a zombie. I had my answer 2 years ago.

He's SoCal guy. Let's cut him some slack.