First Post and E-Locker Question

[APPSTATE]

Hey guys and gals! I have a 1999 2wd Runner and I am wanting to mod it a little for better snow and fire road performance. I am already working on getting a new set of Nitto Terra Grapplers and 3" Toytec budget lift. I wanted to know if trying to find a factory e-locker would be worth my time that I could just have put in or would I be better off going with something like an ARB or other aftermarket part?

I do have a few decent junk yards and salvage places near my house and I think that I could probably find one used that would still work. What are some of your opinions and thanks in advance for any help.

[4x4mike]

Welcome.

A factory e locker can't just be put in. There are modifications that need to be done to the axle housing. An ARB doesn't require the modifications but you do have to drill into the housing. If found my e locker 3rd member on craigslists as junkyards wanted too much for the part. Other parts needed for the install were purchased from other outfits.

[4x4mike]

Here you go. It's a link to my e locker install on my '99.

http://www.ultimateyota.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=26&topic=8443.0

[CJM]

A limited slip differential would be far easier and cost effective.

[Robinhood4x4]

Like Mike said, an elocker retrofit has some welding, grinding and drill to do, but it is the cheapest way to get a selectable locker.

As for the snow, I'm no authority on snow driving, being from CA and AZ, but generally a locker isn't the best for driving around on the street in the snow and ice. Maybe to get unstuck if one wheel is spinning, but not for general driving. A LSD works better for that sort of thing. Maybe people from snow country can help out here.

[4x4mike]

If it's icy I think the locker will cause more harm then good. I think good tires aired down and smart driving will get you farther. Dollar for dollar I'd go with the factory e locker before I'd get an air locker.

[APPSTATE]

Thanks guys...I never thought about the grinding and such needed for a factory locker to go in...kind of thought that they were all one and the same.

That being the case I might look more into buying a high quality LSD for my needs and go from there if needed. I would like to convert the truck to 4wd possibly, so I might just wait until then and do ARB on both front and rear axles.

I need this truck continue to be reliable and simply work. We have owned it since 2002 with only 33,000 on the odometer and it now has 150,000. I need it to help me get around for the next few years until I finish my doctorate degree, and I want it to be able to do a little more than it can right now. Two small kids need the fun of camping and driving through the woods ASAP.

Thanks again for the help and I am looking forward to reading more and learning more from UltimateYota.

Oh yeah, what is a high quality LSD for a 1999 SR5 4Runner with a V6? I would have to find out what gears it has from the door jamb or VIN # as I am not sure of hand...

Thanks

Kevin

[CJM]

This is what I would use: http://www.eaton.com/EatonCom/ProductsServices/PerformanceProducts/Products/Differentials/PosiLSD/index.htm

[corax]

You could also swap in a rear LSD from a Supra or is300 - they both used the same 8" ring gear that you have. All you'd have to do it measure your backlash, swap the differential itself (not the housing, just the bit with the ring gear on it), swap your ring gear onto the LSD diff, reset backlash.