Topic: 4runner factory rear locker - good or *yawn*?

[Yota Up]

We're going to be buying a 3rd generation 4runner.  96-02, although I think the RR DIFF LOCK only lasted until '00.

Anyway, just wondering if it's really worth it.  Is it awesome or does it suck?
How much extra should we be paying for the locker?

Thanks much.

[Yota Up [OP]]

Also, is there a way to run the EFI diagnostic like with the older models when you jump the TE1 to the E1 and count the blinks?

Any advice is appreciated here folks.  I'm looking to buy a used one this weekend.

[Richmondo]

3rd Gen Runner's are OBDII so a scan tool is necessary.

And I would say the factory locker is a worthwhile option considering how popular swapping them into earlier housings is. The only complaint I've heard about the factory locker is that in stock form it can only be engaged in 4wd lo but there's ways around that. Search for the "Grey wire mod."

[jimbo74]

if it is the rear elocker it kicks butt!

you need an obd2 scan tool.... there isnt counting hte blinks....

[Yota Up [OP]]

Awesome.  Good to hear it.

Any popular problems to look for on them?
Like how the older ones with V6 blew head gaskets or anything like that?

[jimbo74]

Awesome.  Good to hear it.

Any popular problems to look for on them?
Like how the older ones with V6 blew head gaskets or anything like that?

the 3.0l is the one with jank head gaskets, i think those were gone by the 96+ years

[Richmondo]

the 3.0l is the one with jank head gaskets, i think those were gone by the 96+ years

I think the early 3.4's had them too, just not in the volume that the 3.0 did, but I don't think it lasted more than a year or so. I could be wrong though...

[lilbuddy]

I think the early 3.4's had them too, just not in the volume that the 3.0 did, but I don't think it lasted more than a year or so. I could be wrong though...

From what I read you are correct....

The early years of the 3.4L V6 (from like 95.5-early 97) had some problems with the headgaskets like the 3.0L V6's did. They somehow fixed it though.

Even in that small period of time, the amount of headgaskets that blew compared to the 3.0 is very minimal and shouldnt be a problem 

[germ]

I got a recall notice on my '96 4runner for something on the rear axle. Can't remeber now if it was the axle or the brakes :hmmmmm:

Just check and make sure that any recall notices have been taken care of.

Erik

[hudlenutz]

I have a 98 4Runner.  It does everything I ask it to. 

I'd avoid the 01 and 02, since the 4wd system is different (more like awd with a center diff lock), and you get no locker options.  The 99 has the tallest suspension of all the third gens, and the 00 has the best interior features, while still offering the locker. 

For wheelin, these feel a little bit heavy compared to my old 91 pickup, and I often find myself watching the rear corners and trying to drive where the rear axle goes.  There's just a lot of sheet metal and glass to look out for.  The rear flexes pretty well stock, and the weak link is definitely the gas tank clearance. 

The locker is definitely worth it, but nothing an arb won't fix if you can't get one.
It is awesome.  It does not suck.
As long as you're buying from a dealer or a non-wheeling private party, you shouldn't pay a dime extra for the locker.  Most people either don't know, or don't care what the RR DIFF LOCK button is for.  There are enough of these out there that you should be able to find several with the options you want. 

[muddytaco]

ive got a 95 tacoma and i put an elocker out of a 4runner in my truck and i broke 2 of em and at 450 a piece it just wasnt worth it to me, they are good if you dont do anything too bad but i broke the passenger axle gear both times, they have a small machined out spot around the inside that makes it weak, i got a 69 through i think 72 ford 9 inch for 35 bucks put a 400detroit locker in it and put disc brakes on it for 70 bucks,the 9 inch bolts directly to your factory springs and you use your factory yota spring perchs for the shocks so its easy but!!!!!!! i do have about a $120 worth of wiring relays and an inline fuse box that will make the elocker locker work like factory without the trouble of putting some kind of factory harness, im really tired i hope that makes sense but if you are wanting to use it pm me if youd like to buy that harness

[jamesyz250]

i know its a long time since the post but, I run the 98 4rnr elocker in my 90 pickup and its great. I wouldn't buy a new toyota that didn't have one! No complaints and haven't broken anything to do with the elocker (5.29's and 35's).plus if something happens to the wiring you can manually disengage or engage it if needed as apposed to some other lockers. just my 

[DeMented Toys]

So the 98 4runner e-locker will go in a 90 rear?

[Goose]

So the 98 4runner e-locker will go in a 90 rear?

The whole axle? yes.

Just the third member? Not without work..
The splines for the axles are the same, as well as the studs, but you have to grind out some for the ring gear, and add 2 longer studs. not to mention wire it up, or change to cable actuated of course..

theres lots of writeups on doing this..
Google!
 
Good writeup here:
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/electric_locker/

[DeMented Toys]

So if you are going that route it would be alot easier to just swap the whole axle out.  I just asked because I had never heard of doing the 98 locker into a 90...  I do know that anything is possible if you are willing to put the work into it.