Is a regear the best time to add a front locker (too)?

We all know when we regear, that is the best time to add a rear locker because the differential is already opened up.
But does the same hold true for adding a front locker?

Seems like there would be, as the gear kit I am looking at comes with front and rear ring and pinion sets.

https://www.polyperformance.com/nit...-for-2005-2015-toyota-tacoma-without-e-locker

This is for my 2012 base 4x4, 4cyl MT, on stock 4.10 gearing.
I'm looking at Nitro 4.56 gears and ARB locker(s).

Opinions solicited.

 

Yeah, if you are planning a front locker, that will be the best time to do it.

 

Any reason you're going from 4.1 to 4.56? That's a lot of money to spend on a relatively small change (lockers aside)

 

thanks @kodiakisland
I feel like I almost answered my own question, but I appreciate the confirmation!


@skeletron
Actually installing lockers is the main driver here, lol!
The regear is more about future-proofing it.
And I am on the fence between 4.56 and 4.88, actually.
I think it would be an easy call to go 4.88 if I was sure I was going to to be running 35s .

But it is a relatively light truck- 4 cyl. RC with just a Leer shell and some armor as far as add'l weight, still on stock size tires.
And it's a daily driver, and the higher rpm at highway speed is a consideration.
So I was thinking 4.88 might be under-geared for my particulars.

But I see the consensus is closer to 4.88 and even higher, so there's that.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2012-regular-cab-regear.730900/#post-26063225

Still researching this stuff, so thanks for the input!

 

It's always a good idea to get everything done at once. Whether you really want gears or you really want lockers. Do it all one time and call it done. Gears, lockers, and a tune will completely change your truck in all driving scenarios on pavement and off-road. Pricey, sure but really what is not pricey on these trucks. Don't let anyone talk you out of a front locker, who cares if you use it once a month, or once a year. The diff is open, get it locked. You will be thanking yourself later, even if you have to save up for another month or so. And remember the front locker is cheaper than some of the freaking head lights people buy. I always laugh a little, I'll have people say lockers are too expensive. I take a look at their truck and they have $1,700 head lights.

 

That's a fair point. I'm getting 5.29s installed next week and I definitely balked at the additional $1800 for a front elocker. Given how little I drive hard offroad I just couldn't justify it, but then again I have at least that much invested in BD lights all over the truck.

 

Cost per use on lights is much lower than a front locker.

I too would spend money on lights before a locker. All depends on how you use your truck.

 

You sir, are the enabler I have been seeking! We do pay to play.

And 100% agreed on the man-jewelry!
Don't get me wrong- I love me some shiny baubles as much as the next guy, but that gear has to take a number and take a seat!

 

Additional $1800, just for the front? With installation and a gold switch included I hope!
And I thought an ARB locker was bad at $1000.

 

If I were actually going through with it I would've told ECGS to leave me a pigtail for the new elocker and done the wiring myself which would've saved maybe 2-300$. But yes that was with full installation and a shiny new switch. The elocker itself was 1400$ on the quote.

 

Okay! Of course if you don't already have OBA, that price would be competitive with ARB.

But I didn't even realize there was a front elocker option. Does Eaton make make that?

 

If you ever have an inclination you should.

I went the ECGS assembled third member / diff route and have had zero regrets. 5+ years on those gears and ARB lockers with zero regrets. Install was straight forward.

Now that a front e-locker is a thing, I would go that route over the air locker for reliability sake.

 

Yes I believe that's correct

 

Well, I did not know/consider full elockers as a possibility, tbh.
And not knowing which axle is going to be the one that has that crucial bit of traction is reason to get both, if you think you will need either.
So if you're adding both from scratch, it would seem silly to build out a 'hybrid' system.

However believe I have read of issues when engaging the OEM elocker on steep climbs; that you need to roll back a few degrees of axle rotation before it engages. Sounds sketch if true. Anyone had that happen or heard that it be a problem?
I suppose this could/does happen with an air locker, but if so it must be less pronounced, as I haven't heard of folks complaining about it.

I also understand that poor line routing leads to many problems for air lockers, but the same could be said of wiring done poorly.
ARB setups done properly seem to be the gold standard for reliability and performance, or is that just 'ok boomer'?

Are field repairs any easier one way or the other? Obviously it all depends, but overall probably a wash, yeah?

Bugs can crop up in pneumatic and electronic systems. I am not sure which is more likely. Air leaks vs electrical shorts- take your pick.
My intuition is that probability of failure in these systems is a function of the number of connections, not necessarily the type of conduit- therefore an all-electronic system should have an edge over electronically activated air systems.

Anyway, seems we have a Tacoma locker showdown between ARB the perennial favorite, and the new school 'all-elocker' contender!

 

Wait, I'm confused myself.
You say you have ARB (air) lockers, but you are recommending elockers for reliability?
Have you had problems with ARB?
Are you regretting having zero regrets? Do tell!


I am looking into that Eaton elocker for the front. I am not seeing the option on the ECGS website, but I do at the Eaton site!
I'm on the west coast so I probably won't swap axles with ECGS. But there are closer shops that could do it.

...
<Still-Com-puuuting>

 

Yes - I have ARBs but would recommend the e-locker. I have had zero issues with the lockers themselves, but I have had air hoses crack.

Nothing wrong with the ARBs, hence no regrets. But - had an elocker been available at the time, I would have gone that route instead.