non e-locker to e-locker

like the title said i have a non e-locker and would like to get a e-locker how hard would it be? do i only change the rear axle? could it be cheap?( my brother in-law is a mechanic)

i know where i can get a used axle i just want to know if its easily do-able(if thats a word)
james

 

i was interested in the same swap, but i heard at that point it would be cheaper just to put in an ARB

 

Price is about the same, but the non-elocker axles have stronger differentials, so it makes little sense to downgrade.

Just get an ARB unit and a compressor (on board air!), pay a couple hundred bucks labor for a good shop install of the locker in the diff (or do it yourself if you have the tools and time), install the diff back in your axle yourself, yay done.

 

cheaper then getting an e-locker axle from a scrapyard and doing it yourself?
and i dont know arb much but isnt it an air locker?

 

If you search you will find a few threads.

There are a few options out there, my plan is to switch out my axle for a e-locker axle. You can find just the third member and only need to make a minor mod to your current axle (notch the housing). These options gives you a factor style electronic locker. You can find a complete axle with switch and computer from $500-$900, depending on how patient you are.

There are other options out there, but ARB is one of the best options, but can be very pricey.

 

good to know that my axle is stronger! how much an arb setup could cost?

 

ya i dont want it to be pricey

 

When i bought my truck the e locker wasnt working,
So i changed the rear axel and installed the arb air locker with the compressor in the hood
Love it

 

may i ask how much it was?

 

Well i usualy pay double of what the guys on tacomaworld usualy pay lol
Im not in the US
I payed 2200 USD

 

You are looking at about $1,000+ for the locker and another $200 for the compressor. I would plan about $1,500.

 

About the same really. But again, the e-locker diff is a weaker diff, so why would you pay the same money for a weaker diff?

ARB Locker ~$900
ARB Compressor ~$250
Diff Setup Labor ~$200 to 300 depending on your shop
Total ~$1400

E-Locker Axle Housing ~$400 to $500 depending on how good a deal you find.
E-Locker Diff ~$400+ depending on how good a deal you find, mileage.
Install Labor ~$500+ depending on your shop.
Total ~$1400 again

A few things to note: Any aftermarket diff/axle you find may not have the right gear ratio, making the search more difficult or forcing on you the cost of new gears.

Also, in the 2009+ Tacos, the e-locker wiring has interplay with several ECU items due to the addition of many electronic traction systems. Wiring things in correct may prove to be an exceptional pain in the ass. Since the OP's stats say he has an '03, this would be a non-issue.

Not quite that minor. You're going to need to notch, drill, tap, grind, finish your current "8.4" housing, and make sure all of this ends up sealing as well as a factory unit. Hope you have good machining skills!

The low end is generous. Even the best deals generally want 300+ for the diff, 400+ for the housing.

 

Why pay for labor? Most people can do a simple axle swap or as the OP said in his OP, his BIL is a mechanic. Just do the research and make to get the right gearing.... patients will save you a lot going this route.

In my research I have found COMPLETE axles with housing for the original $500-$900. That is depending on if it includes the switch and ecu, or not, and shipping.

Us 1st Gen guys all have the same gearing. No worries there.

 

I'm also a proponent of ARB over E-locker swap. Although it would be much easier on an 03 vs. an 05+. 12voltguy.com has the wiring you need. If you can do the install yourself you will be ahead. The part making it much easier on the 1st gen is the lack of computer stuff and the ebrake system is far easier to work with.

 

*patience.

I agree, why pay for labor. OP can do the math, decide his desires and needs, and decide whether he wants to pay for labor or not. Some people think vehicles work by magic and won't touch a bolt.

Fat lot of good it does you without the actuator

I would *love* to know where you're getting a drum to drum e-locker axle with actuator for $500.

EDIT:

A search of TTORA found two complete e-locker axles, bolt-in ready (assuming the right gear ratio, compatible brakes, correct WMS width) for $500. If not local, you still get the wonderful experience of paying shipping on an axle/3rd member assembly. If you want to say bottom dollar deal is ~$500, I'll barely buy it, and it comes with the caveat that it's extremely rare: EVERYONE else wants about that kind of money for the 3rd member alone:\ Then there's this guy who...well, he's just special:

 

sorry for my poor geographic skills but is that in liban?
im in the same boat as you im not in the US and shipping kills me lol

 

what a deal that last guy is offering ill sleep on it but i think im gonna make a run for the ARB

 

What maintenance? You just change the oil as indicated like any other differential.

 

I think he is talking about the air tank and lines.

It's a good idea to check the lines as you don't want condensation to get in there. However if you just use an ARB compressor you don't need a tank really. Only install a tank if you'd like to run air tools.

Another option is to run the lockers off a CO2 tank.

I'd go ask how much the slicker is tho. You can often get a full axle for under 500, have been some ppl picking them up for 250-300 even.

Wouldn't hurt to ask. But yea it's not as nice as an ARB setup and your current diff. But could be cheaper.