Lockers / Flat Bed Kits

Hi all. Time to start working on the truck I drove back from TX. What is the best (best bang for the $) Diff locker to use (front and rear) for my 98 SR5 Ext Cab, Tacoma, 2.7 motor. Off road will be at least 50% of the time and there is MUD. The stock bed is trashed and I would like to install a Flat Bed Kit. Any of you have recommendations?

Thanks in advance.

 

Cheapest lockers are the ones like Detroit and Lockrite which are full time lockers, meaning they engage/disengage on their own depending on when they sense that traction is needed. They aren't really recommended for daily drivers as they can be squirrelly on pavement. I had one in the rear of my '99 Prerunner though and it was fine, you just have to be cautious when taking turns or driving on slick surfaces in case it decides to lock up. I've heard they are more temperamental that way with the manual transmission.

By far, the most ideal locker to add is a selectable ARB air locker. That way, you can turn it on/off as needed but they are considerably more expensive.

 

Thanks!

 

I had a trutrac by Eaton its really good. When tires slip it goes posi but in turns or on the street it disengages automatically so you dont spin out.

 

http://www.eaton.com/Eaton/ProductsServices/Vehicle/Differentials/detroit-truetrac/index.htm

 

About to put some of these in my 94 Land Cruiser: https://www.harrop.com.au/shop/4x4-performance/elocker

 

neat... but I don't see a listing for the Tacoma

I think the Richmond Lockright is the low buck solution for the rear axle.
Tho' I wouldn't put one in the front (maybe with manual hubs, but the ARB would be better up front)

if cost is of no concern

I'd recommend the ARB air lockers Frt/Rr.

oh and a purdy good idea to change the diff gears
while yer in there and have thought of installing taller tires.

^ Which will make yer speedo/odo inaccurate...
so add on a digital speed processor too
such as the Dakota Digital or Yellow Box e processor.

It can get expensive if ya wanna do it right.

 

Regarding the elocker from Australia, doesn't the Tacoma have the same diffs as the Hilux? I'm definitely not positive, but that's what I've assumed, I guess.

 

Trutrac is very good choice for the front diff because unlike most lsds it will function as an open diff without having to overcome clutch forces. Because of this It will work with the add system. Its also alot easier on the ifs drivetrain than a locker.

 

I have had all the different kinds of lockers over the years. Everything from welded and spooled, lockrite/aussie, full detroit, trd elocker, and now a yukon zip locker (same as ARB only cheaper), BY FAR the best bang for the $$$ is ARB/zip locker. Its pricey initially, but it will save wear and tear on your rig/tires which will save money and head ache later on. If this is your daily driver, my best advice is put air lockers in it, it just makes life nicer. If you can't afford front and rear at the same time, spend the money on just the rear. Don't be afraid to put a used arb/zip in the front either, because it's the front they typically don't see as much action, unlike a rear that is being used more often or all the time. What ever you do don't put a lockrite/aussie in the rear if you DD it. As far as I know there isn't a flat bed "kit" out there for tacos.

 

I'd like to THANK everybody for the replies, and suggestions.... I see what looks like front fenders that are trimmed on a lot of the forum pictures. My question is... are they trimmed or are they fiberglass replacements? This is like sitting with a bunch of Toyota experts and talking. Wish I could provide everyone with pizza and beer.

 

They are fiber glass more than likely. What are your plans for this truck?

 

It will be my PLAY toy. 3rd vehicle, so it will sit on a battery tender a lot! Drag my 4X4 quad out to the forest. Hunt, fish, water sports...... and as we used to say at our BFG radio Relays...Do some FROADIN!

 

Ah ha..... and what size tires do you plan on running? and what trans do you have?

 

5 speed, and right now t has 32X11.5X15 Mudders on it

 

Ok, I wouldn't spend the money on air lockers unless you found some used. That would be like $2500 in diffs and accessories. Stick some Aussie lockers in there and spend the money somewhere else like suspension.

 

That's the direction I'm leaning in... Thanks

 

Just remember a front locker is going to make turning a pain when in 4x4. Look at the front range off road twin stick to alleviate that.

 

If ya get an ARB up front...
you can point, engage, then roll forward, dis-engage, re-align, engage and roll some more.

Or you could muscle it... and break chit !? Lol

Make sure if ya do muscle it... yer not on a high traction surface.

After - all... something has to give in order to turn without too much restriction.
And breaking yer rig rather sucks IMO. !? Lol

 

It is still cheaper to buy a lockrite/aussie and twin stick and achieve basically the same thing. Plus you get 2wd low range with the twin stick