2015 Locker options.....

Hey guys I'm in the market for a set of lockers for my 2015 DCSB 4x4. I just got off the phone with 4wheel Parts here in San Antonio and was quoted a price of $3900 for both front and rear lockers. That's a little too much money for me at the moment and was wondering if there were any other options for the 2015. I've done a lot of searching but haven't come up with any alternatives. Thanks is advance.

 

You can purchase both a 3rd member and a front clam shell w/ gears and lockers of your choice and install them yourself. If you're not changing gears you can do one at a time. Likely the rear first. All in, you'll be about $1635 for a rear 3rd member w/ an ARB after your core charge is refunded once you ship yours back. They'll send you a pre-paid shipping label w/ your new 3rd member for return shipping. All you do is box it up and take it to/or call for pick up from Fed Ex. You'll need a compressor to run the air lockers, but the mid level ARB compressor is fantastic for filling up tires as well.

http://eastcoastgearsupply.com/c-1065072-assembled-3rds-clamshells-05-tacoma.html

I just did this myself. Do it once and do it right. Other than a mechanical limited slip, there's really no good locker choices for a truck that sees mostly pavement.

Buy once, cry once.

 

And honestly, $3900 OTD is not bad at all for ARB lockers, ARB compressor, and install front and rear.

*I'm assuming they quoted for 2 ARB lockers, 1 ARB compressor (don't get the little one, the mid size is only a little more), and install including compressor and switches. ARB is giving away compressors with locker purchase right now. You get the little one w/ one ARB and the mid-size w/2 ARBs. That's how there getting the price as low as it is. ARB installs are CRITICAL. You want it done right or at least with a decent warranty/guarantee. Both 4Wheel Parts and ECGS are very good about backing up their work.

 

ARB has a promotion where if you but their lockers you get a free compressor.

4wheel parts doesnt know this.

 

It's hit or miss both with the counter monkeys and the shop monkeys. There are some extremely knowledgable and competent people working for 4Wheel Parts. You just need to figure out who that is. The good ones make sure you get the competent mechanics. You may have to be patient and take a later install date to get one of those mechanics. Just like any thing else, it take research and work. There are also some real "winners" there too.

 

ARB

/thread

 

Yep. But I have had very good experiences in the past. It just takes a lot more effort than buying a 3rd and putting it in myself. Trust me, I asked around about gear installers for months before I just did it myself. Gear set up is not a DIY project for your garage, likely going to have to pay someone to do it. Fortunately for us, we have a 3rd member.

 

The 4WheelParts in indy must not want any business. I've called/emailed several times asking for quotes for front/rear lockers and full suspension. Never did get a response. I did however, find a Toyota dealer that also deals in aftermarket stuff, that are doing install really cheap. $3900 isn't bad for everything and install, I've seen a lot of quotes in the $4400 range

 

Thanks for all your replies guys. The quote I was given was w/ the free mid-level compressor (

$323 CKMA12 On-Board Air Compressor High Performance 12 Volt for Air Locker Differentials and Tire Inflation

CKMA12). And they said it comes with a 3 year warranty..... I do agree that ARB's are probably the best, I guess I was just hoping they wouldn't be so damn much. I'm pretty mechanically inclined, but when it comes to gears and transmissions I draw the line and leave it to the professionals.

 

I agree, installing, actually setting up, gears is a job left to experience. Installing a 3rd member or clamshell is not technically difficult. There's an excellent writeup set as a sticky right in this forum. I used it myself. The compressor install is not hard either. Both just take some time. I'd encourage you to give it a go. Do the rear first. Then when you've saved up a bit more you can tackle the front.

Question is: Do you really NEED lockers or do you just WANT lockers? For right around $500 or so you can get TWO pairs of Matrax. I have never used them but watching them being used sold me. They are incredibly easy to use and just as effective.