Rear diff locker for 2wd Tacoma sport.

I have a 2008 2wd Tacoma sport. Wondering what rear diff locking options I have. Is it possible to install an E-locker on the sport?

 

You can swap in the entire axle assembly (brake drum to brake drum) for an assembly that came with an e-locker. Then just wire it up on an independent switch. Lots of people do it as a cheaper option that a full air locker setup.

 

I replaced the factory clutch-pack LSD mechanism with a truetrac in my 2006 Sport. I much prefer a good LSD over an open (which a locker is when not locked) when in the snow or on slick roads. Moves much more torque to the wheel with traction than the factory LSD mechanism. Great street manners too.

 

Swap an entire OR axle in ($$-$$$)
LSD like a Detroit trutrac ($$-$$$).
Air locker system like an ARB ($$$$)
Aftermarket E-locker like a Harrop ($$$$)

Seriously consider if you will ever want to re-gear, cause if you do, it will save you a lot of time and money to do it at the same time.

 

I 2nd this my trutrac has been the best thing Ive ever done to a truck modwise. Really improves the capabilities in 2wd. They can be had during an ebay sub 400 thats when I got mine.

 

OP has an 08, thus no vsc / traction control unless it was optioned with it (which is highly unlikely). Trutrac works great in conjunction with the 09+ vsc / traction control... but to a lesser extent on a model without this.

OP ARB locker if you want a proper locker.... i wouldnt bother swapping in the elocker axle unless you are 1. handy, 2. get it for cheap.

 

What are you planning to do with your truck? How much are you willing to spend? Like I already mentioned, cost-wise the factory elocker is where it's at. Otherwise you WILL spend well over $1000 to get an aftermarket locker installed.

I personally have an 08 sport and I am running a Trutrac. Best part is that it's "always on". Pre-trutrac, I only got defeated once in 2.5years, going up a very loose 20+% grade with massive holes. I flexed out and barely touching the ground with a blown LSD, there was no chance. Haven't been back to that spot, but I've done similar with no issue.

I don't have traction control either.

 

I’ve taken my truck out in open desert and some ez UTV trails. I was ripping down a sand wash and came across a mound of sand.(in the picture.) I got stuck in the sand. An E locker would be nice to have in situations like those where I could lock both wheels. I’m leaning towards the E locker over the air because I don’t really want to install an air compressor. So is my best bet buying a complete rear axel? Or can I just install an E locker? Willing to spend a $1000.

 

For that amount of cash, yes. Complete factory elocker axle assembly.

An aftermarket elocker for the sport axle (8.4") is over $1000 by itself. Plus install kit and labor. You are looking at roughly $1500+ installed.

On a side note, if you do ANY kind of offroading, it is highly recommended to get an air compressor and deflator. You have a better chance at getting out of sand with proper tire pressure and an OPEN diff than with too much tire pressure and a locker.

 

Just to confirm, can you pull out the limited slip carrier with the clutch packs from a sport and put in a locking carrier like an ARB?

 

Yes you can, but you can't just drop an OEM e locker 3rd member into a non e locker axle.

 

It can be retrofitted without too much work. Drill a few holes to line it up and it will fit in just fine. It's not a "drop in" install though.

 

I wouldn't spend more than $500 a rear diff locker option for a 2WD. Sell it and buy a four wheel drive if you intend to drive offroad frequently.

 

I say go for the e locker, they can be had fairly cheap, and the wireing is very simple, and if theres a problem, you can manualy switch it back and forth if need be.
I bought a complete axle setup from drum to drum out of a 2010 for 400 bucks, its a bolt in deal with the exception of the wires, my truck is not prewired for this. Ive already made the harness but haven't installed it yet due to stupid rain and wind the last two weekends. My truck is a 06 prerunner sport DCSB

 

There is also the Harrop e-locker if you don’t want to deal with air lines. I just put one in my 1st gen and love it!

 

Did you ever get your locker going. Thinking about doing mine I have the same truck same year.

 

I ended up selling it, but I did have it working, I had to make a harness for it.

 

oh ok. thanks for the response. what did you end up picking up?

 

Having read one of your blog posts, I think you're going to want 4wd rather than a locker dirtnsmores. The locker isn't all that helpful in snow compared to 4x4.

 

i'm currently looking for a 4x4. not in a rush, but i have the alerts turned on for craiglist.