Does A Front locker Require Re-gearing?

Well does it? thanks

 

The only "mandatory" in gearing is that the two axles are the same ratio.

 

It depends on what type of locker you get.

You should do some research on lockers because there are different types.

Lockers like the ARB - require gearing setup (regardless of what gear ratio you use). Lunchbox lockers replace the spider gears only and don't require a gear setup.

 

Hi guys, a little confused on which front locker I need. Thinking about the ARB but am I looking at the RD111 or

$1,091 RD121 Air Locking Differential

RD121? I have a 2010 4x4 non TRD V6 automatic trans.

BTW Janster, been reading your Jeep build. Your husband's a lucky guy if he can wrench with his girl

 

Thanks...I've always been a tomboy and just never had the urge to change that. He puts up with me.

The ARB is expensive but the best (IMO) because it's selectable and doesn't change the driving characteristics & worry free for daily driving.

According to this:
http://www.arbusa.com/uploads/PDF/accessorizeYourRig/toyotaTacoma.pdf

The difference between them is the gear ratio you plan on using. With an ARB, you have to buy new gears and have them setup regardless. Even if you plan on staying with the stock gear ratio, you still have to buy new gearset and have them installed. Whatever gears you plan on using - will determine which ARB you go with.
(atleast, that's what I'm seeing ....I don't have any ARB experience on a tacoma)

 

OK I wasn't aware I had to buy new gears with the locker.

There's a shop nearby that has installed these before (maybe not on a Taco though), he didn't mention new gears but I'll double check with him.

Thank for the reply

 

Talked to East Cost Gear Supply. According to Chase, new gears are not necessary for installing a front/rear ARB locker on a Taco.

 

That's a bonus if you can re-use your current ring & pinion.

However, you'll still have to pay for the ring & pinion gear setup (which is the majority of the cost).

Usually when you change a carrier - the physical size/characteristics aren't the same as the stock carrier. Bolting your current ring gear to a new carrier usually doesn't work because the whole package won't fit inside the housing. That's why....in most cases, you have to buy new ring/pinion gears to work with the new carrier.

 

^Thanks for explaining that. I'm new to gears/lockers, etc.

Eventually, I'll get front and rear lockers but may do it in stages due to $. Is there any disadvantage to having the installs done at different times?

 

If you're not changing gear ratio...it doesn't matter when you do it.

But - if you're changing gear ratios, you have to do both front & rear at the same time because you can't run with two different gear ratios.