Front locker question

So I’m getting regraded to 4.88s soon and while I don’t really need the front locker, I’m considering getting it done since they will be in there already. So the shop that is doing my regear had mentioned that they have upgrade such as Speedo calibration and front lockers. I opted for the speedo only at first. About 3 weeks later I contact them for a quote on adding a locker and this is what they told me

“We do not recommend front lockers on the Tacoma application. The front clamshell on this application is not incredibly strong and when put under load through a locker, it can fail and crack.”

I suppose I don’t get why they would offer it and then say they don’t recommend. And I’ve done a little bit of research and found that a bunch of people have added front lockers with no problems. Is there anybody out there with an experience like they have mentioned or is this possibly something wrong. Any and all info is appreciated

 

Bumping cause no response lol

 

The Eaton e locker?

 

Lol if you are in a place that needs a front and rear locker you need to be in a different vehicle, like a dedicated trail rig.

 

Yes

 

I agree for the most part but still considering it since they will be in in there already

 

Arb locker is the route I would go

 

Well they were saying they don’t recommend any locker because of the weak tacoma clamshell. I’m just wondering if anybody has any knowledge on that subject. I’m considering arb or Eaton though. I just already have a portable compressor and don’t really want to mount one under the hood for locker purposes

 

thats weird they would say that.. they are stronger than the Dana 35… and I seen both axle go threw a lot of abuse with both the Eaton and ARB..

 

Yes, I found it strange as well. It might be somebody that’s very knowledgeable but it might be somebody that doesn’t know shit and going off something he’s heard around the water cooler. That’s the part I’m trying to figure. This is a pretty reputable shop in the Phoenix area as well though.

 

To me a front locker is like a winch. You might never use it. Until the moment you end up wishing you had it.. it’s an insurance policy in my world

 

This is tough to answer diplomatically.

You CAN brick the front differential on your Tacoma by locking it, but it’d take some decently gnarly action — not like it’ll blow up for no reason.

Someone mentioned how if you need a front locker on your Tacoma, you’re in the wrong vehicle. But what if the Tacoma is all you have?

It ends up being up to you OP. It’s going to cost a pretty penny, but you’d definitely want it done with the regear rather than later because that’ll cost even more money.

Do you have a winch? That probably provides more utility than a front locker. More like definitely does. But if you have the money and you’re going to be actually using the truck a front locker wouldn’t hurt.

 

piggybacking off this:

If you think you need a front locker and don’t have a winch, get a winch not a front locker. Or get both of you have the money, I guess.

 

This^^^

 

From what I understand, and what I’ve seen the CV’s are the weak point when using a front locker on the Tacoma.

That being said, I’m curious how the new Ford Bronco does it since there is a trim option for a front E locker on a ISF vehicle.

https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/131-0606-front-locking-differentials/

for light reading

 

I do not have a winch and really the only reason Im considering it is because I’m regearing. Like somebody else said, I’d rather have it than need it and not have it. I’m just concerned about this clamshell comment they made to me because to my knowledge that’s not the caee

 

That’s more or less my understanding

 

how hard do you wheel? What terrain? Etc. etc.

You definitely need a winch, but you may not need a front locker.

 

100%

And people much more intelligent and experienced than I refuse to upgrade CVs to purposely leave them as a weak point so they fail before the diff.

 

@Texoma

Didn't the older IFS toyota trucks/4-runners have a problem with weak gears in the front differental? I know I had to replace one in my 86 yota.

I have the front ARB w/ 4:88s, and absolutley love it. No problems here, but I'm not binding it, or crawling up rock faces.