Rear locker options

i have a 2016 trd sport 4x4. I seem to be getting into off roading more and more. I will be getting a rear locker in the near future. I know a lot of people get the ARB lockers and I’m considering that but I’m open minded. I wouldn’t mind an E-locker similar to the ones in the off road models either. So my question is what are my other options besides the ARB?

 

TJM makes a nice air locker. I'm told their design has less issues with the air seal failing and pressurizing the diff (which pushes the diff oil out the breather). Also, you could just buy the axle from a wrecked TRD OR and swap it in.

 

The ultimate decisions comes down to cost. Most people will agree the ARB Air Locker is the superior locker in every way (strong, selectable, many applications). But, it is also very expensive.

The economical decision is a mechanical locker. Would not recommend if driving on the road often.

You may consider a TruTrac LSD as a happy-medium.

 

Is it not possible to add an E-locker to a sport rear axle?

 

Harrop makes aftermarket e-lockers for Tacomas nowadays, but they're a little more expensive than ARB and you don't get the added benefit of having an on board air compressor with the locker, so most tend to go with the ARBs.

Other than that I think the only other e-locker option would be to swap an e-locked axle and harness in from a TRD OR

 

Harrop and ARB are pretty much the only options right now. Harrop is expensive but a solid locker, the only issue is you need to roll the wheels a bit to lock so if you reverse it unlocks and relocks, then if you go forward it will unlock and relock due to the pins. There are youtube videos of it. ARB is considered a solid locker choice and respected among all offroad communities, their carrier is proven and almost bulletproof. You do have to deal with airlines but for the most part they are a non-issue. I recommend the twin compressor with manifold and we generally have ARB compressor group buys.

If you are looking to a locker, you may also want to consider regearing at the same time.

 

I have an F/R ARB's in my FJ40, they are awesome. You don't have to run them off the ARB compressor, I run mine off my CO2 tank. You cant pop a tire back onto a rim with the ARB pump, but you can with CO2.

 

I like the OEM retrofit idea down the road. That's why I like to see those massive Tacoma OR sales numbers each month. Those are future parts trucks and half those guys/gals will barely use the locker.

 

I think people should be a little more careful here and ask some questions. Do you have a manual or automatic? That is going to matter a whole lot if you get serious about this.

 

Does anybody know which rearend is in the 2017 Taco SR with a 2.7, 5 speed, 4x4? I want to install an Aussie locker like I have in my other toyota truck, but I'm not sure which one will work.
My old truck (1980) has the 4 pinion v6 rearend from a 93, and I had to get a locker to accommodate that, but it works great.
I'd like to know which one to order before pulling the 3rd member, so the truck is only down for one day.
I've used automatic mechanical lockers for years with no problem, as well as daily driving rigs with 35's and welded rear axles, so I'm not too worried about ratcheting in corners, and I know how to drive it to avoid unexpected pops and bangs.
I just want traction without spending 2 grand to get it.

 

Pretty sure they exist, I dont think they are as popular due to the longer wheel base.