Cheaper and easier to buy an ARB air locker.

Why exactly do you need one?

 

Thanks TcmaBoy,

I had not even thought about ARB.

I like to go trail riding and would like to have the locker for those sticky situations that arise every once and a while, that's all.

Thanks.

 

how much does a locker help in snow/ mud & what's driveability like when activated?
dean
tenn

 

4wd is preferable to a locker. 2wd with a locker may get you unstuck in some situations, or it may get you more stuck. 4wd with a locker is a potent combination.

With it locked up in slick conditions you will have a tendancy to fish tail. You have to be especially careful on icy roads. I would use it to get unstuck and shut it off. That way if you loose traction you just spin a tire rather than spinning out. Lockers on dry pavement will chew up your tires, so if it is a DD be aware that you will be buying tires more often.

what part # is the EATON locker for the TACOMA 98 rear?
thanks
dean
tennessee

Google

 

The locker in our Tacoma's is designed to be engaged at speeds of 5 mph or lower...now reality is that we don't use them till we're stuck or can't make it up something so they absolutely get used at speeds and RPM's that are higher. I have never had a problem with mine. I have an 06 acces cab trd off road (currently for sale) and an 03 tacoma extra cab trd. before that I had a 97 taco without the trd package. I wheeled the crap out of that 97 and even with an open diff I was surprised as to how good it did. That being said after having a locker I'll never go without one again. It handle fine in snow and mud, just keep hands on the wheel for when it hooks up because you will notice it hooking up a little better (both wheels spinning at the same rate). In snow I have been stuck and engaged it and was shocked at how I was able to just wheel right out. So again just be prepared to steer and handle your rig. Steering is a little tougher but not bad by any means. To answer your question your best and easiest route would just to be to get an after market locker such as ARB, eaton etc. I am sure you could go and find a crashed tacoma and get the rear end and axle all out but it would just be easier to get an aftermarket one. Yes the locker's in our Tacoma's is electric you just push a button and there ya go. Love it highly recommend it.

 

what part # is the EATON locker for the TACOMA 98 rear?
thanks
dean
tennessee

 

did anyone ever help this guy with a good locker? I need one too. thanks

 

TRD Axle Swap

I'm shopping for a 01-04 Taco right now, and really want the TRD, more just for the locking rear differential. I plan on putting in a lift, so I could care less about the "race" suspension. With so many people shopping for newer Tacomas (pre-2005) its tough to find an extended cab, v6 5spd with TRD at a good price. I was wondering if anyone knew if it was possible to swap the rear axle out of a TRD into a regular truck to get the locking rear differential in a non-TRD truck. Anyone have any articles or suggestions on this and how difficult it could be.

And I realize I can purchase an after market set up and put it in, but after going to the local Toyota dealer, I saw the graveyard of doomed Tacos due to frame rot. After a few tears were shed, and a brief prayer for them all, I wondered, its just the frames that were bad on these vehicles. Would it be possible to buy parts off these trucks? Specifically the rear axle and whatever it would take to put it into my truck. But also, is Toyota going to part these things out? I mean there are good doors, glass, tires, engines, and trannys in these things. Food for thought. Anyone knowledgeable on this? Thanks a TON.

Matt

 

Toyota is destroying the bought-back frame-rusted vehicles whole. They don't intend to part them out.

 

Well that's down right retarded.

 

ARB vs. Salvage Axle

I find it hard to believe that there is that much extra modification necessary to put in a TRD axle (if I get a wheel to wheel setup) that it would out weigh any money saved vs buying an ARB set up- (~$1000?). Maybe there is or I'm thinking I can get a TRD Axle for much cheaper than I actually can. Any help? Thanks

Matt