Detroit Locker vs factory E-locker

Hey guys, i need some advice.

i just purchased a Detroit Locker that I was going to install in my truck, but I just came up on a factory rear elocker and complete axle out of an 09 4x4 Tacoma

I’ve had a Detroit Locker so i know how driving will be but what do you guys think is the better route? And what is stronger? Any advice would be awesome

 

I don't know about the strength of either one comparatively.

I would rather have a selectable locker, so would go with the oem in this case. If the gearing matches hell yeah.

 

I would go Detroit. So much simpler to install.

 

If the detroit is non-selectable then spend the time on the e-locker install.

automatic lunchbox lockers are great when you dont have any money and want to wheel. Selectable lockers are so so much better everywhere else.

Only downside is e-lockers are near impossible to get parts for without buying an entire new assembly.

 

Depending on what your street to off road ratio is I'd probably do selectable. If it's your daily/weekend warrior it's nice to be able to have an open diff and the factory e-locker is pretty reliable as long as you use it often.

Nothing wrong with a Detroit though. I wouldn't use one as I live where it snows and don't want an auto locker in my daily. Tough as nails, though and you've driven with em before so you know what you're getting in to

 

I agree on selectable. I had a lunchbox locker for a bit, and after 2 years, I was so over the driving characteristics. I got an ARB air locker and am so glad that I did.

 

Damn. I’m so torn.
I know as far as wiring, there is a company that makes a plug and play for the E-locker so it would be fairly easy to install.

It’s currently my daily driver or it at least gets driven to the trails etc and camping.

has anyone blown up an elocker on here? Lol

also, if I’m not mistaken, isn’t my factory limited slip rear end an 8.4” and the elocker rear end is only 8”?

 

What do you mean it’s reliable if you use it frequently?

 

the downside of a detroit locker is that, I believe, you need to have a certain wheel speed to engage the locking aspect of it. Where as with an e Locker or air locker its on and its good to go at any speed.

I do not see any threads where someone has "blown up" their ARB or factory e locker. If you're just doing fire roads and nothing like extreme rock crawling you'll probably be fine with either honestly.


The factory manual most likely states to cycle the e locker once a month at a minimum to make sure it works

 

The Detroit activates under acceleration.

everytime you gas it, it’s enabled.

i primarily rock crawl and will eventually solid axle swap this truck too

that’s why I’m so torn

 

My truck isn't my daily and I just crawl it too. The lunchbox I had was still less than ideal and I'm much happier with a selectable. Do the selectable.

 

Go with the Detroit locker , it's the best locker made . I've had numerous vehicles over the years that have had Detroit lockers , never had an issue . Compared to an E locker or any other selectable locker the Detroit locker is far superior

 

The actuator/motor can get stuck (similar to the 4wd actuators) if you dont use them frequently enough. Just make sure that you lock/unlock it a few times a month and it'll be fine

 

If you really wanna get fancy, don't wire it in and instead make it manually activated. You'd be the coolest kid on the block. Though Toyota 8" could mean a few different axles, so worth asking if this works on a second gen.

https://www.lceperformance.com/10-E-Locker-Manual-Cable-conversion-p/2051222.htm

 

I had that issue when i bought my truck, what a pain in the ass. fuck E lockers.

 

The E - Locker which by the way made by Eaton is not a true locker . It is actually a gear actuated limited slip . This locker will not provide 100% traction to both wheels

 

I don't know what E-locker your talking about.... but it's not the Toyota one. I've taken one apart. It's absolutely a true locker. They still come OEM in the TRD Off Roads. Toyota has had a major production vehicle with a true differential locker since 1995 I believe? At least since the Tacoma existed.

Note the blue collar in the diagram below. That locks the spider to the ring gear carrier. 100% locked.




https://www.off-road.com/trucks-4x4/tech/biopsy-of-a-toyota-elocker-swap-54205.html

 

The Toyota factory e-locker is most definitely a true locker