2017 E-Locker

Alright... first night of testing is complete. I had good locking action at 3A and 9V all the way up to 4A and 12V. I watched heat and resistance for about 20 minutes with no appreciable change even at the higher amperage. Resistors, diodes, and potentiometer on the way. I will get this on the bench later this week. Steps in the right direction.

 

I read all of those patent documents. The Toyota E-Locker makes a lot of sense to me now. Although it is seems more high-tech and complex, and much harder to hack, after reading the patent I fully understand the simplicity and reliability they were aiming for. If you understand the jargon, it’s actually a work of genius. Simple! Just not simple to modify.

 

Agreed, it is a more elegant solution but requires a bit more tinkering.

 

Nice.

While holding voltage at 9v, how does current compare locked vs unlocked?
(With 9v applied, Does it stay at about 3 amps if the teeth are aligned vs unaligned?)

If current stays pretty constant regardless of locked or unlocked, I would definitely just go with resistor (and diode) with relay control.

Nice benchtest

 

Worked through a few more tests last night, no change in amperage at all when locking even with teeth non-aligned. I held it for 2 hours at 3.8A and around 9V with no issues. Just waiting on a few parts to finish the full test wiring.

 

Sounds great. I would get a resistor dialed in to give you roughly that with the truck running at about 14v.. rig up a relay and a flyback diode and do it.

Way to jump in, get some parts and try it out.

 

If memory serves me correctly the toyota E-locker was set up to use 50% PWM for holding 70% for engaging and if it does not engage for a certain periode it hits it with 100% . So that would be 6 9 and 12V to test at,

Another option is to use a PWM controller like for a DC motor. they are cheap.

Look for one rated for 5A and you should be safe.

Here ya go $2
https://www.ebay.com/p/12v24v-5a-3v...er-Adjustable-Switch-LED-Fan-Dimmer/918271106

or a more robust one for under $20

12V Fan Controller, DROK DC Motor Speed Controller for Brush Motor 7V-60V 20A 420W PWM Driver Board Control 12V 24V 36V 48V Regulator Cooling Fan Dimmer Governor Pulse Width Modulator with Adjust Knob

https://www.amazon.ca/DROK-Controll...ocphy=9000877&hvtargid=pla-494457308101&psc=1

 

I believe the only Sport with the larger rear is the Manual Trans Models as was the SR Manual when it was available.

 

Thanks for the info, if I go with PWM, I will just build it through an arduino board.

 

Correct, just checked this.

 

Well, a bit of an issue today. It must have been too cold the other night in my garage to provide reliable temps. Today when running 3.5A and 9ish volts, the locker gained 2deg F over 10 minutes but built no resistance. I think I will need to run it at 2.5A and 8V to keep temps down, that seemed to be the right mix of locking and temp control.

25A resistors aren't enough, will need to go with 100A for temp control.

 

Why not just go air or Harrop?
The stock locker is a finicky little cunt

 

Discussed this before, the stock locker offers a good blend of reliability and affordability. Harrop does not make a 8.75" E locker nor does Eaton. ARB is old tech, albeit, proven. But this is a cool challenge that should be as good as any other E locker out there once it is figured out.

 

I was about to say Harrop makes cause I was asking about it but remembered that was front . Because I got locker from factory by buying off road lol.

For what it's worth check out tjm.
I was looking at a video reviewing all types of lockers etc . And although tjm is air like ARB the way it works is better and easier for service.

Really made me interested for doing front should I ever get to that point.

I will say the OEM one doesn't like to lock right away.
And I'm almost certain it is an Eaton. If I remember right there was a thread about it a while back how it was a custom build for Toyota from Eaton .It's not available directly from them . Only through Toyota.
I could be wrong but I know Eaton has done that before for other makes

 

Stock one is a GKN driveline, their patent is attached earlier in this thread.

 

I think I was more concerned with running the diff hot than anybody.
For 2F over 10 mins, I wouldnt worry about it.

 

Sub'd!

 

I once assumed Eaton made it, but that got me to you know where. GKN has this one.

Harrop does produce an Eaton 8.75", but it's for the front clamshell of the Tundra and Land Cruiser 200. The spline count is different, and I'm unsure on the carrier offset. The 8.7x originated in the MkIV Supra.

 

Looking to see how this goes. I have a spot on my switch pro waiting . . .

 

Well residency is killing my free time but I bought an off brand switchpro to test out. The 5A slot is perfect, sending just under 5A and 12V. I will put in a 1.5ohm 100W resistor to knock it down just a bit but this should be the ticket.