Installing a rear locker on 1st gen Sr5

Ive got a question, I have an e locker on my truck that im considering replacing with a air locker when i re-gear, eventually i want to be front and rear locked. Can i convert my TRD rear axle to an e locker or do i have to buy a different axle?

 

I'm confused can you clarify a bit? It sounds like you're asking if you can convert your TRD rear axle to an e-locker axle but you said in the first sentence that your rear axle is already an e-locker axle?

 

No, I already have an e locker axle, and thinking of changing to an air-locker when i re-gear. Im wondering if i can still use the same axle housing or if i have to buy a different housing. I just started looking into this so i got a lot to learn.

 

Oh gotcha...I believe you can use the same housing, I know I've heard of guys on here that have switched to the ARB locker instead of the e-locker either because of a re-gear or simply because they preferred the ARB instead.

You have the 8" rear end since you have a TRD e-locker axle...the non e-locker rear ends came with an 8.4" rear end. So as long as ARB makes an e-locker for the Toyota 8" rear diff then you should be good to go

 

Fortunately ARB does make an 8" locker

 

You sure can, but why? I assume so that you'd have both lockers the same, rather than 1 air, and 1 electric...

I've said before the ARBs are "superior" lockers over the TRD E-lockers, but generally not enough to warrant switching them out (IMO).

If your e-locker still works, you might consider selling the axle/housing/locker and swapping in an 8.4. Not really because the 8.4 is better or stronger, but because they're easier to find, you could even find someone who has an 8.4 and wants to swap+cash.

Then get dual ARBs.

 

Send me a PM with your email so I can send a ton of photos.

 

Im looking into it because down the road ill want to regear as well. So i though what the hell just swap them both to air lockers. Ive only Just started thinking of this, dont even know how much ill cost yet. LOL

 

Does anyone who has done this know if the "diff lock" light on the dash will work, if the truck wasn't originally meant for an e-locker???

 

Nope. Unless you wire it in. Install an Eaton E locker and your switch will light up when activated.