Rear locker for '97 3RZ

I've spent about two hours desperately googling for a simple locker for my Taco, everything I'm finding says they'll fit the pickups to '95 and I can't find anything saying if they're interchangeable or not. Can anyone help me out? I'm not looking to spend $800+ for a selectable locker, I was looking at this spartan locker I'll link at the end of the post, I'm about to just send it and weld the diff if I can't figure this out lmao

https://www.yotamasters.com/shop/differential/lockers/spartan-lockers-2/

 

Can't comment on the Toyota Pick Up, but Tacoma's didn't start until 1995.5..making it difficult for some because some vendors pull a '95 as a Pick Up and others as a Tacoma.

It's best to go by '96 and up, even though it's not entirely accurate.

Just removes some guess work.

Factory equipped e-locking rear ends were 8" whereas non-locked were 8.4"

 

this is exactly what I needed to know, thank you!

 

I don't believe spartan makes a locker for the 8.4

Powertrax Lockrite (the age old) and Nitro make them

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-128197-tacoma-t100-8-4-powertrax-lock-right-1615-lr.html

https://www.justdifferentials.com/Toyota-8-4-Lunch-Box-Locker-p/lbt8.4.htm

 

yeah now that I know to look for an 8.4 rear it's all coming together. It's probably all the excess chromosomes I have rattling around but for the life of me I couldn't figure out the size of the rear on these things no matter how much googling I did haha

 

If you think that's confusing, try this on for size:

The 8" and 8.4" are actually the same size, leading to the misconception that the 8.4" diffs are stronger because "they're bigger". They're not, the ring and pinion are the same size. They are not, however, interchangeable. The 8" diff comes equipped with a factory E-locker, and the diff housing/carrier is shaped differently.

Toyota basically just named them different sizes to make it clear they're not interchangeable.

 

Whatever the route you go, I would recommend going with something other than a Spartan. The previous owner of my truck had one installed and they are not great for everyday driving IMO. If it's just a trail rig it probably won't be a problem.

 

While I appreciate all the recommendations, I'm just gonna send it and weld it lmao

 

All of the traction, none of the unpredictability of a lunchbox locker





Found a scrap piece of that Colorado 1/4" steel that would do the job nicely.