2000 E-locker swap to a non E-locker 1996 Tacoma

Ok, I have searched for 2 days and am kinda frustrated. I have a 2000 Rear axle with E-locker and want to know if anyone has swapped just the 3rd member into a non E-locker axle. The best I have seen is that you will need to maybe cut a small area (for the locker) and drill and tap a new hole (and everything with actual data is for 2nd gen up). Someone HAS HAD to have done this but I cannot find anything. I do not want to use the new axle as I would need to rebuild it and it also has ABS, which I do not and unless there's a way to plug those holes.... Also, it would require more cleaning due to rust and also has some pitting I just don't wanna deal with when I have a really good axle already on my truck. If this has been posted before, Please point me to the correct thread.
TYIA.

 

You can't find any info because it's can not be done. The elock third member will not fit the tacoma 8.4. What your referring to is the older nonelock toyota v6 8". There's a difference between the v6 8" and 8.4

Not interchangeable

 

Easier to rebuild the complete E-locker axle housing then completely rebuild the 8.4" housing to make things work.

Which no one does because the fabrication needed is not practical. Yes it can be done but why in the end your pretty much custom building an axle housing . When you have a complete housing to just swap in.

If it is one of those Because I can no need to ask questions .

 

Got, it, thanks guys. Was not looking forward to rebuilding the new axle but will start ordering parts.

 

Next question is this, any write-ups on how to exchange the axles? Gotta be some differences and tricks to pull it off without a hitch.

 

The only real difference might be the flange for the drive shaft might have a different bolt pattern.

After so long things tend to just merge together when not in front of me.

 

What about the E-brake? It looks like it mounts lower on the backing plate (or can I rotate the axles?) and goes across the rear vs mine thats across the top.

 

Why not just sell everything you have and buy an aftermarket locker, like an Eaton E locker? It will save you a lot of trouble.

 

Will it fit my old 3rd member?

 

Yup, I put one on my non-locked rear end. Well not me but a shop lol. Works great

 

How did they install it? What modifications did they do to make it all work?
Never done an axle before, let alone a locker, so this one is new to me.

 

All it requires is you to drill a small hole on the 3rd member to run the wires through. Other than that, the kit comes with the wiring harness and a button, everything you need.

 

Good info on this thread:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/e-locker-axle-swap-1st-gen-tacoma.591856/#post-19795654

Swapping the axles seems like no big deal. The tough part is the wiring (if you're going for a factory finish).

I'm looking to do this swap myself, so I'll be interested in your experience. Take lots of pics

 

FYI all e-locker axles are ABS, and have the tone ring on the axle shafts. This is irrelevant, as you can still install it with that equipment. You can order block off plates for the sensor hole from the dealer. Even if a truck wasn't equipped for ABS, the locker axle still had the provisions for it.

 

Another thing you have to think about is that the factory e-locker doesn't work when driving past 5mph and other conditions, which is controlled by the factory computer.

If you are looking for more traction and simplicity of installation then you should have a Detroit TruTrac installed in your factory 3rd member. I found a donor 3rd member from another truck and had it rebuilt with a TruTrac that I found here actually, and installed it myself in just a couple of hours.

It totally changes the way the truck drives, I live up a pretty steep hill and can totally feel the way the back tires lock up when under a bit of throttle. And it's always on, no need for electronics or switches or worrying about getting on the highway with your locker on.

I actually still have my stock 3rd member which is still in great shape, 4.30 gearing, which your welcome to, although shipping will be crazy.

 

Good to know. ABS was sort of the last big question I've been pondering.

 

Or you could just buy an aftermarket locker and not worry about using other parts and wondering what will or won't fit. Lol. Keep your stock axle and not remove anything other than the 3rd member .

 

Nope. Way more question marks with aftermarket stuff. I've installed lockers. No doubt about it, they're great, but there's no easier option than a factory swap, especially since I need to regear, and Toyota offers a great unit for my needs.
Factory swap adds more value than it will cost to do the job once I sell my old axle.

 

Idk but I've seen a LOT of people complain about their stock lockers, I don't think I've ever seen a complaint about the locker I'm using. I almost went that route as well, I had the axle and was just looking for a locked 3rd member. It made more sense to install an Eaton locker since I was regearing at the time. Glad I made that choice, my locker isn't finicky like the stock ones are.

 

I don't think I have the wiring for a factory locker (1996) but not 100%. I am entertaining the idea of making a manual set-up to alleviate the wiring as this axle only came with the axle side and I will need the harness to the cab. Also needs a new actuator and those are damned expensive. I have all winter to mess around with this, so not on a time crunch. Any ideas or advice is always appreciated.
My biggest issue is this stupid ARB compressor, I have everything hooked up but still no power through the rocker switch. Only wanted it as a compressor and no matter what, it just doesn't want to work.