Thoughts about non-elocker to e-locker axle swap

Me: 2016 TRD sport Access cab long bedv6 MT 130k miles (other mods as noted in my profile)
Donor vehicle: 2020 TRD offroad v6 MT 9k miles (unknown cab style, unknown bed length)

Some background.. I had been looking at an air locker and regear a while ago, to the point where I had actually obtained the ARB air locker and the nitro 5.29 gears along with the ARB compressor and I pretty much was not excited about shop quotes for the work. I sold the locker and gears, kept the compressor, and started looking at ECGS for a built out 5.29 with ARB air locker for just a swap out. Honestly just didn't want to spend the 1800 bucks for that either. I have only found that I could use a rear locker on a few occasions, most of the time I have honestly been able to get by in 4Lo or 2Lo using the 2Lo mod I have. Was concerned about the lack of need and investment there, also wear and tear on an air actuated system.

NOW I have a local seller who is refitting their 2020 tacoma who is getting rid of their entire rear axle with about 9000 miles on it. No wheels/tires, but everything else. I haven't had my rear drums looked at for a while! I could theoretically sell my current axle/part it out to recapture some of the cost. I could also do the work to put it in myself with a few recommendations.

So that brings the questions.. Please assume I'm not super interested in the ECGs locker/regear purchase. The asking price for the rear axle is the same cost and as the ECGS w/ a 5.29, of course just an e-locker third is about 200 bucks less. If I wanted to purchase the axle from the 2020, what type of wiring would I need to do to get the e-locker to work? Would I need a new 4x4 ECU? Would it really be as simple as plugging everything in and finding e-locker dash panel components from a wrecked truck? Any suggestions/help would be appreciated to inform my decision making. Are there any strong arguments for the ECGS over this given the background information I provided?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2017-e-locker.585669/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rear-diff-lock-anytime-mod-3rd-gen-development.537810/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/e-locker-for-3rd-gen.481725/page-3#post-23942908

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/factory-locker-install-on-16-sport.692802/

 

@jmneill thanks!

 

Well, after reading through those I think it might be more trouble than it is worth (to me). If I felt strongly about it, I think that I understand fairly well now why the ARB solution is best. I'm glad I didn't splurge and just buy the axle without taking a look at those. Thanks again!!

 

Glad you did the research. It is a LOT of work. Sadly the locker isn't a solid 12V or 5V signal to lock/unlock. There are ways to put an external signal generator and switch in the cab to enable/disable the locker independently while driving but that requires a bit of knowledge. It can be done with a raspberry pi and power supply (about $32) but the coding and programming would take some work.

 

If you just want to lock and unlock a 3rd gen oem locker with an aftermarket switch it’s not that hard. Getting it to work with the computer is more difficult

 

Ben, considering this is twice now you've considered a locker, now would be a good time to trade up to a newer Off Road Taco. Seriously.

Best decision I made was buying the model I wanted 1st and foremost.