Noob question about TRD e-locker

Im currently looking to pickup a 97-00 Tacoma, and have been looking at this one at a dealership in the valley. It claims to have the TRD package, though what can i check for to confirm it has the locking differential? Also where is the switch in the cabin for the locker function? I dont want to be searching around for it like a noob when i go look at the truck.

 

did the 97-00 have an offroad package? the button would be to the left of the steering wheel if they do. If that is a picture of the truck you are looking at definitely be careful because that sticker looks like it doesn't belong there. A lot of people have been fooled by people claiming they are selling a tacoma with the TRD package but really all they did was put a sticker on it.

 

First off... That TRD bedside decal is a little high and looks added, but I don't thing the e-locker was standard the 97-00 Tacos. The e-locker switch is directly left of the steering column and should be marked RR Locker or something simular.

 

i think someone just put a sicker on like everyone else said it looks add and not it is in the right spot but when ever you are looking at cars write down the vin number. you can use it to find out exactly what the truck came with from the factory. you will have to look up what the numbers in the vin mean but once you have that info the vin will tell you everything from what year make color motor and options it came with

however if its not a true TRD does not mean the dealer is lieing to you. the dealer may have got it with the TRD sticker on it all rdy and failed to check to see if it was a real TRD. like it was said be for many people and dealers have been tricked be for

you can also use the vin number to check it out at carfacts to see if its been in any crashes can never be to careful when buying used and doing research when buying used always pays off in the long run

 

There was a Rear Locker before 2001 on the Off Road TRDs. A friend has a '97 or '98 Taco with it.

 

the e locker was an option on the pre 2001 TRD off road packages.

 

i've got a noob question about the locker lol

- can you engage the locker and run it on pavement (i know you wouldn't need too but would any damage occur?)

- can it safetly be engaged and used to play around in the snow/dirt lol?

this is all 2wd, just for fun


also, these are lockers, ie both wheels spin at the same time correct?

these trucks (trd with lockers) don't have limited slips do they?

 

ya that's what i figured....i would only use it just to play around in the snow a bit, would never engage it on the road otherwise

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/4405-grey-wire-mod.html

 

Just look at the rear axle, if it has a box thing on the right side of the 3rd member then it has one.

Also vantaco, taco's dont have limited slips just the e-locker. You can easily install one though. I just put in a lock right only about 3 hours work, if it's your first time messing with a rear axle then about 6 hours. And if you plan to "play" in snow with 2wd. Better have a buddy with 4wd. Lockers can only get a 2wd truck so far.

 

Sorry meant 1st gens dont

 

Thanks for the responses, im going back tomorrow and will check for the switch and electrical box. I did think the TRD decal looked a little too small, but the thing is it does have the Bilstien suspension. Was it possible to ave one without the other installed? If anyone is curious, heres the link:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/ctd/1948562680.html

 

Judging by the pic comparison it doesn't look like it has that RR Diff Lock switch, but definitely verify this in person.

 

Just ran the Carfax. Seems legit, what do you think?

 

Good eye, so it could have the Bilstien suspension and not be a TRD? Would the TRD package have been listed as an option in the history report?

 

In addition to the sticker being in the wrong place, the truck pictured is also missing the fender flares which should have been on a TRD. The wheels look right, but (and it's hard to tell) the tires look smaller than the standard TRD 31". It also looks like it has the smaller mirrors, not that big a deal, but the larger ones are nice.

 

This question's geared to those more expert than me, but don't PreRunners have the Bilstein suspension without the rest of the TRD package?

OP - based on the Carfax it seems like it would be a decent truck, but if they are falsely advertising it then that's just bad business in my books.

 

ha no wories, i'm getting a 4x4....as for playing in snow...i meant parking lots lol



so you can install a lsd and still have the use of the locker??

i love my lsd on my fwd vw, only makes sense to have them on a rwd truck