Front differential swap

Hey still new to this site, but I'm looking at replacing my front differntial on my 1996 Tacoma. My front diff was blown when I bought my truck, finally got around to replacing it. I bought a new diff with same gear ratio and lock-right locker.
Anyone know how hard the process is and if I could do it myself? Trying to save a little cash on the labor part. Thanks!

 

I don't know about 1st gens, but AFAIK the hardest part about front diffs are tight maneuverability in there. I think its just pull the old one out, put the new one in? Never done a diff yet though, can't really speak from experience. I'm sure there's a walk through on here somewhere showing you what to do! Just search around a bit using different key words

 

Yea thanks man, like i said I'm pretty new to this site so still messing with everything.

 

You won't like that locker up front. Steering will be very hard when in 4wd. I made that mistake years ago when I put in a limited slip in the front. I hated it. Replaced it after several months with a selectable locker (ARB). Costly error.

 

Yea you know I heard that a few times. But I was looking for a used diff for a decent price, and the only one I came across with the right ratio was the one I bought which the previous owner had installed a lock-right locker.
But anyway, I'm not really buying it for off-roading super often, it's mainly due to the fact of where I live and how much snow we get, all the icy roads during winter and just to be able to get around. So I don't think it'll be much of an issue.

 

Lockers really arent very good on packed snow and icey asphalt! It makes for some squirrelly times!

 

Yea I get that.
The thing is I wasn't looking for a diff with a locker! Like I said I was just looking for something cheap with the right ratio and that's what i came across.
The way I look at it is, I'm going to finally have 4x4 again, I don't care if it has a locker or not. I need a new diff cause mines complelply blown

 

Okay....but u did just say you wanted it mainly because of the snow and ice you get...

 

Yea sorry, i didn't really clarify myself haha.
I meant I mainly want my 4x4 up and working for winter time. Not the locker itself, just a functioning differential for that 4x4

 

yeah but isn't that a full time/part time locker? So it's basically on most of the time...that's gonna be shitty in ice/snow

 

I don't think anyone is understanding where I'm coming from.
4x4, with or without a locker is obviously going to be better than 2wd in the snow.
I didn't intend to get the locker, it's what I found in my price range and in good condition.

 

Yes, that is great to have 4x4, what we're trying to tell you is that with the locker that you said you are installing because its cheap, it could cause you to be in danger on an icy road...