Swap an OEM E-Locker into 2wd 4Runner

[Dumbovariations]

Is it poss. to install an oem E-Locker complete with the whole axle assembly into 2wd 4runner pre '99 model? Would make the locking activate by switch through the locker ECU, but wondered if it was a straightfoward mechanical switch between the models.
Both vehicles 3.4 auto's

[Seanz0rz]

as far as i know the rear axles are the same for 2wd and 4wd. you could swap in that locker, but i doubt you would be able to use the stock ecu. you would either have to make your own like i did, or buy one from a company like ORS or 12voltguy. reason i ended up doing my own harness was so i could use it with out being in 4 low, or even in 4wd. i simply push a button and it locks. no fussing with under this speed or in this transfer case selection. not to mention i spent 40 bucks on materials, others wanted the harness for $$$, and to do a toyota factory install was $$$$. im good with electronics so it was no big deal. i dont think it would be wise (or even possible) to run with the toyota ecu for the locker. you will need to source a 3rd party wiring harness.

the only other issue i forsee is the gear ratio, and we would need more information on your vehicle and the donor vehicle. it is likely that the elocked third is a different ratio than the one in your current axle. elocked 4runners came in 4.30 or 4.56, and you are likely at 4.10 right now. luckily the only thing this will affect is your speedometer, as you dont have a front differential to worry about.

hope that information helps, keep us posted if you decide to do the swap!

[Dumbovariations]

Seanz0rz,Thanks for the heads-up on the ECU.
Still need confirmation on 2wd and 4wd axles being the same. Anyone?

Also, does the gear ratio affect acceleration too?

[neliconcept]

they are the same, only difference between a 2wd vehicle and 4wd was the 5 lug tacomas and 4wd tacomas, even prerunners were the same depending on lockers for them though.

you will have to do a little mods for the motor though as Sean probably pointed out but i didnt bother to read.

[Seanz0rz]

if you just want to swap your gear set, its possible with some grinding, welding and tapping new stud holes in the housing. thats what i did on mine.

i am 99.999% sure the 4wd and 2wd rear axles are the same.

yes, the difference in gearing will affect acceleration. numerically higher ratios will net you greater acceleration, but less top speed. numerically lower ratios will decrease you acceleration but allow you to go faster. you probably want to stay as close to stock as possible. for you that would mean going with 31" tires with 4.10 gears, 33 with 4.56, and 35 with 4.88 (roughly). thats for a v6. im not sure what the ratio equilivents for stock are on the I4

hopefully that helps a little bit.

[Dumbovariations]

Thanks again Sean. Really useful info.
Will update thread as this mod progresses.

[arjan]

You can easily use the factory ecu also. Most of use tie the 4wd drive low wire to ground anyways, so we can use it any time.
I recently wired one for a guy and used a battery to run it. It's actually very easy, and it has some additional features which a relay setup doesn't have.
When the motor stops working, it will only supply power for about 5 seconds before it turns off again. That will prevent the winding on the motor from burning when there is a problem.
Mine did that on my old locker, the motor doesn't work and it only comes on for a little while before it shuts off again.

Also if you match up the wire colours to a diagram, you don't risk running the motor reverse and mechanically lock it up.(not looking at the proper limit switch)