Locking Diff Info (ELI5)

So I have open diffs right now... What is the proper and correct way to go ahead to have them lock like on other Tacomas. Do I replace the entire diff or is there another alternative? I have a DCSB TRD-Sport 4x4

 

The ARB air lockers are by far the most popular way to add a locking mechanism to open differentials here. You’d need to wire in a compressor and plumb some air lines in addition to adding the lockers.

Many of the Tacomaworld vendors offer the parts. Depending on your location, East Coast Gear Supply is a trusted company that also will preassemble and send you a third to make install easier (https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/c-1207123-assembled-3rds-clamshells-2016-tacoma.html).

OA

 

Ok, I'm looking at their site... Whats the difference in all of them?
Also, is there a way to have Toyota install a locker themselves?

 

The 8” reverse is for your front diff. The rest are variants of the factory rear diff (in your case if you drive an auto you have the auto non e-locker rear).

The only factory part you could buy from Toyota is the 8.75” elocker diff but it is highly unlikely that you could get Toyota to install it. Even if you did, there would need to be changes to your ECU/BCM to get it to work.

Some Toyota service departments will install after market accessories like ARB but expect to pay high rates for it.

That said, the ARB components are pretty well tested and highly capable. Many would argue that their air lockers are more durable/dependable than the factory e-locker.

OA

 

You won’t.

 

Ok, so I'm looking for a rear diff locker and my trucks an automatic... Which one of those should I be looking at

 

Don't have much input but I instantly thought of reddit when I saw your post xD

 

was it the ELI5? lol

 

You’d want this one with 3.90 gearing if aren’t doing the front diff too: https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-23993418-2016-tacoma-auto-non-elocker-third.html

Before you purchase, email or call someone at ECGS. They are super helpful and will talk you through the process. If theres a reputable gear shop around you (which tend to be difficult to come by), you could probably source just the parts for the locker and save some cash. Keep in mind you still need a compressor to make it work (ARB sells a smaller compressor and manifold for this purpose as well).

OA

 

My first question would be why do you want a locker? They are expensive to retrofit and if you're not off roading probably not worth the expense IMHO.

That said I've owned and ARB and my truck is an Off Road and has the factory locker. Given a choice between the two I'd go with the factory setup if the costs were in the same ball park. The ARB locker is bullet proof, but the air pump is fussy. I had regular problems with it, leaks, blown fuses, disconnected air hoses. As for automatic transmissions and lockers it is irrelevant. The transmission and locker don't care about each other.

 

The reason the transmission is relevant is that it changes the diff size for non TRDOR trucks.

OA

 

You could swap rear axle housing/third member and then aftermarket electronics to get it working. For a cheap locker setup its what I would do. I wouldn't touch the front until you are sure you need it. The questions your asking make me feel like your not ready to be swapping front axle shafts on the trail after they detonate from having a front locker.

Disregard. Not sure if applicable to turd gens.

 

Don't think a lot of TW got the reference

 

Harrop has some options as well. Front and rear Elocker with factory looking switches. For the low key guys...

https://www.harrop.com.au/shop/4x4-performance