E-Locker Swap Complete Guide (Including Wiring and Fabrication)

Complete guide to installing a Toyota factory e-locker in your non-locker housing! In this video we are installing it into the front axle of my solid axle swap 1989 Toyota Pickup.
Guide includes all wiring and fabrication required to retro fit a elocker.
Wiring Diagram: ibb.co/nnVPCs6 (Let me know if link is down)
Switch Link: www.lowrangeoff...
Studs and Gasket Link: www.lowrangeoff...
Support Dirt Garage by purchasing our Merch! - www.dirtgarage.ca
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My 1989 Toyota Pickup Build:
- 5VZ-FE 3.4 Swapped
- Manual Swap
- TRD Supercharger
- Solid Axle Swap / SAS
- OME Rear Springs & Tundra shackles
- 37x12.5r17 Toyo MT Tires
- Build Playlist Here: • V8 Swap Toyota Pickup ...
My Wife's 1996 4Runner Build:
- 3" Rough Country Lift
- 31" Genera Grabber AT2 Tires
- Custom Side Dump Exhaust
- Build Playlist Here: • 1996 4Runner Build
Camera Gear Used To Make This Video:
- Camera: amzn.to/2X3wHzx
- Microphone: amzn.to/2GpaaYQ
- Tripod: amzn.to/2SN6HJm
Contact: [e-mail]
Thank you for watching my videos! If you enjoy what you see please leave me a like, comment, and subscribe to my channel for more great content!
Weekly uploads, every Friday!
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[@stuntmantravis84]

This is becoming on of my favorite channels. Keep up the good work dude

[@DirtGarage]

Glad to hear that. Thank you!

[@motomule]

Yay, slo-mo oil drips!! My fav!! Your dad has a cool shop!!

[@DirtGarage]

Man you'd love it. Upstairs is even cooler. Gotta come visit someday!

[@Shiploadofshipes]

Very informative. Didn't know you had to mod the axle housing to fit e-lockers. Thanks. This may be in my future.

[@DirtGarage]

Your welcome. Glad I could help!

[@robormiston2841]

I'm picking an e locker up this weekend for my 93 4 Runner. But Im getting the whole axle with new disks brakes and rotors with e locker from a 97 or 99 4 Runner lol I can't remember. And I think it's a no brainer to put the whole rea end in. I'm stoked. I will be returning to this for the wiring after I get it all in. Already have some sort of locker in the front so this should be sweet. Thanks for the vids. I always watch them. I'm down in Bellingham Wa USA if you're ever wheeling down this way.

[@clayton203]

Man great video of modding the axle to make this work,,decided to go with the elocker instead of the arb in the rear,,looks simple enough,,thanks

[@rodfather4668]

Cheers thanks your video filled in a few blanks around the toyota 8 " variants, I believe all the New Zealand built Ln106 and Ln65 only had the 4 cyl 3 rib diff, its interesting but makes sense now with the engine options compared to the North America Market . I have just secured a v6 turbo diff 4.88 which is very rear came from an import v6 surf . We did not receive the e locker option in the hilux but the 76 series prado landcruiser ran the 8 " high pinion e locker front we have a few of them over here so I will find a couple of them. Enjoy your trip away wheeling on Tuesday. Cheers

[@redneckredcoat]

I'm about to do this and your video has given me confidence. Cheers ! Red Cap at 14:18. Top Bolt. How about counter sinking the top hole and putting an alan key headed bolt in there ? I'm a great believer in putting all the nuts & bolts back in.

[@DirtGarage]

Thank you! Glad I could help. Honestly pretty easy all said and done. Good idea with the counter sunk top bolt. I will certainly do this next time the diff is out!

[@connors8050]

The switch being linked in the description was helpful👍🏽

[@halflife103]

imagine my surprise when looking for info on how to install an E locker, i click on your video and you start off by saying you went to the "city" i live in lol

[@patrickconnell2656]

Yooo! Going hard plumbing shirt is a nice touch.

[@DirtGarage]

Of course! Edwin and Ethan are good friends of mine.

[@scubbarookie]

Nice work! Very encouraging and motivational. Thank you.👍

[@DirtGarage]

Your welcome!

[@analog56x]

ive never actually seen how these work... very cool! i thought those had to have a brain to function! thats fantastic! im thinking i should hunt for elockers once i get my mazda going haha! dude, you should totally do the big brake mod with the IFS hub mod haha! i have a writeup that i did on Marlin Crawler's website! i could even machine the IFS hubs for you so that the 98 tacoma rotor fits over the hub!

[@analog56x]

board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=78969

[@DirtGarage]

Stock they do need a computer to run these lockers. But with that fancy switch you bypass the need for that. And I plan on doing all of that to my front axle eventually. Brake upgrade is certainly required with the 37s Haha

[@analog56x]

@@DirtGarage haha, i hear ya! i ran 38's and 42's on my 4runner with the BBM and IFS mod and it was no problem stopping, or pulling trailers haha! i just updated the build thread, with active images (uploaded them to my website cause photobucket turned greedy!) if i wasnt planning on using my IFS hubs, id send em to you haha!

[@k-art-L]

Best video ever, so helpful!!! Thank you!! Thank you!!!

[@DirtGarage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@edwinrivera5155]

Great job and video 👍

[@DirtGarage]

Thank you. Hope it helped.

[@MrCowboywillie1984]

2 things I would do different is knuckle gusset kit and diff stud eliminator kit.

[@tonimartinez7723]

Nice job.

[@hoffinatoroff-road8037]

Hey Dirt Garage, Killer video! I really like the manual switch setup rather than the computer operated one that comes with the 3rd Gen Runners. Can you audibly hear when the motor stops and are there limit switches to keep you from burning out the motor? Is there a feedback line for the switch to illuminate when locked? Keep up the great work!

[@joew8440]

Hi, good video. I have a question, you mentioned you were going to put pin out charts in the description. I can’t find them? Do you have a link? Thanks, joe

[@DirtGarage]

Hey! Link is here: ibb.co/nnVPCs6

[@joew8440]

Dirt Garage thanks for the link. I am looking for the pin out on the factory rear locker plug. Mine is a 94 Land Cruiser . I misunderstood what you said. But thanks for the fast reply and good video

[@Jursaw]

Really enjoyed this video! Do you think a FJ cruiser rear e locker would fit in our 3rd gen pickups?

[@DirtGarage]

Depends on the year of FJ! Early ones still had 8" diffs. That will work, not sure about when it changed though.

[@nicklanfear4303]

@@DirtGarage I believe 2010, 8.2 then

[@ctrl_agent_86]

You should do the Rubicon sometime dude! I know it's a long way away, but it's pretty hardcore. I just went with a 4dr jk, and they got denied at the gate keeper (cracked axle tube :( ) Would be fun if you want an adventure.

[@Warmspringsrezbuck]

I have a 84 toy diesel 2L solid axle if I put a e locker from a 98 Tacoma in my truck will this work for me also?

[@DirtGarage]

Yes, same front axle in mine.

[@jeffgood6441]

I need a e locker for my front with 4.88 gears already got a sparten in the rear

[@SOLDADITO76]

A elocker high pinion would be perfect, no clearance issues that way.

[@anomilumiimulimona2924]

High pinions are no good in the rear.

[@robmassicotte4889]

I have plans to install the Toyota elocker in my 2nd gen tacoma, (rear) plan to just swap the hole axle assembly. I am guessing you ditched the Toyota ECU for the locker? Trying to figure out how I can bench test the axle with locker on the ground easily, to be sure the solenoid works before I dish out the big bucks, seller wants for it! Hrs or research now, and no simple find for doing this test?

[@groundladderquicktips9957]

Thank you for the great video. One of the only true e-locker swap mod videos I can find! So I have a few questions... I recently purchased a rear 3rd member with e-locker, wiring and switch included. I believe it came off a 3rd gen runner with 4.10 gear. I have a 2000 SR5 V6 runner with 4.10 gears Will I be able to swap this into my rear diff? Just need to tap and weld and it should be good? Any information would help! Really want to get my runner dialed in the right way!

[@DirtGarage]

Yes just weld and tap and it will bolt in, ASSUMING your diff is a 8"? Honestly I would scrap the factory wiring and switch included and use the low range kit, you will have alot more control over when it's locked.

[@mauriciogonzalez9337]

Do you think that the differential gears of a 1980 Toyota pick fit an elocker just to change from one to the other?

[@edrobinson1710]

There are a few articles on using 4 cylinder gears in a v6 carrier, just need to use a larger shim under the pinion bearing as they are short nosed

[@yusafkhan8210]

I have 92 4runner would a 96 or newer electric locker work for my rig?

[@DirtGarage]

Yes, doing the same axle mods done in this video.

[@greenflintriver]

This is a great help!!! I hope you know the Lord Jesus Christ!!!! Thank you!!! You are very talented.

[@7genki]

Would the elocker axle housing it self bolt right to the chassis of the truck getting the elocker?

[@waylandvanzandt1561]

I have a question. And forgive me if I sound like an idiot , but it looked like when you finished hooking it all up it was up against your leaf spring and even if it cleared it would it still hit when the spring flexes. Thank for sharing your video I'm going to go lockers at some point on my rig hopefully some day and guys like you are going to make it a lot easier for me . God bless and keep up the good work.

[@DirtGarage]

It can't contact the spring with flex, as the axle moves with the springs.

[@waylandvanzandt1561]

@@DirtGarage thanks for the reply.

[@ItsJoshN]

To swap the 4.56 gears, is that something a diff shop needs to do because of the shimming and such? I have 4.56s in my 92 pickup and I’ve heard elockers dont come with those ratios

[@DirtGarage]

Elockers do come with 4.56 ratios. I've seen a few. But yeah in general easier to get a shop to setup diffs for you.

[@jordanlynch8185]

About to rebuild my rear axle. Contemplating doing this thanks for the great videos or else i would.not be contemplating this mod. Om the fence it but really wanna. Just did a 3.4 swap earlier this year. And the 100mph made my diff leaky.

[@DirtGarage]

Glad to help! I would highly recommend this mod. It's actually really easy to do. We are about to do the same thing in Cory's front axle!

[@jordanlynch8185]

@@DirtGarage picking up an elocker 3rd member today!!! I see you are doing another elocker in your friends front axle, and you put the one in the video in the front as well. Is there any critical difference in this mod when applying to the rear? Or same general idea? I plan on putting this in the rear until sas comes later.

[@onwheels8232]

i wander if the diff will go in a discovery axle because the design is very similar.

[@DirtGarage]

No clue! is the disco axle a 8"?

[@alfredovalle7471]

I see in your video you didnt have to grind the inside of the housing where the bolt hit mine is hitting what did u do with that bolt

[@DirtGarage]

Mine didnt! But I've read on some forums some people have to take a hammer and beat a small dent in it. Sorry, I should have mentioned that!

[@alfredovalle7471]

Dirt Garage i did grind mine to much amd went almost all the way through i gonna have to hammer it

[@Dullz.97]

Any leads on the plug wiring?

[@levsheppard2859]

sweet rig dude, im late coming to your channel but so what is the theory of e-locking the front rather than the rear. do you already have your rear locked?

[@DirtGarage]

Rear is already locked! With a lunchbox locker. I have a video on this too 🤙

[@ToyotavzblackWolf]

What is the gear ratio you have in your truck ? Does the diff locker should be same gear ratio ? I purchased a 4.10 and I do have 4.56 on my truck

[@DirtGarage]

My truck is 4.56, the locker needs to match the truck. Otherwise you will blow up your t case. The elockers are easy to re gear, the factory 8" ring and pinion bolt in place in the locker.

[@ToyotavzblackWolf]

@@DirtGarage ohh ok thank you 🤝🤝🤝appreciate

[@allen-gt5ng]

Why are there so many wires on the switch. Both my trucks only have 2 wires going to the switch

[@DirtGarage]

Factory these elockers use their own computer. This switch bypasses all that.

[@warweaponx6629]

Is it possible to swap an elocker into a 5th Gen SR5? Or should I just install an ARB air locker? Thanks

[@MR-nl8xr]

HOWD IT GO?

[@bojeelll9192]

So im new to Toyotas being a Jeep guy I just bought a 95 Toyota t100, can I use a rear 3rd member in a front axle?

[@DirtGarage]

Not in a T100! If it was SAS you could.

[@DJRush7285]

🤔 nice!!!!!!

[@chao9323]

I'm trying to wire my e locker but my wire harness has different color. I have a black wire, green and red, dark green, light green wire and solid yellow wire..can you please help me with the wiring thanks

[@joshkruger7428]

Did you ever figure it out I’ve got the same issue

[@alfredovalle7471]

Hi Dirt Garage can you pls recommend a good tap and die set im on the process of my elocker thanks

[@DirtGarage]

Honestly mine are cheap mastercraft and they seem to do the trick well! One of those tools that you don't really need the good ones, just need to know how to operate properly for best results 🤙 Good luck with your elocker swap, it's worth it!

[@alfredovalle7471]

Dirt Garage i see one at the Harbort freight store but they say for wood and like u say is something that im not gonna use a lot so a cheap one may work thanks for the response buddy keep inspiring all the Toyota Lovers!!

[@evanmadigan3157]

Isn't the v6 rear housings 7.5 and the solid fronts 8?

[@DirtGarage]

Nope. All 8" , whether 4cyl rear or v6 rear.

[@naiashine4394]

I think I'm located near you if we're talking about the same nelson....🤔 I also just picked up a 91 toyota pickup

[@naiashine4394]

Almost certain it's the same nelson from some of your thumbnails. Neat

[@DirtGarage]

@@naiashine4394 If Nelson BC, then yeah. I'm I'm Cranbrook

[@naiashine4394]

@@DirtGarage cool! I'll have to keep my eye out for your yota

[@naiashine4394]

@@DirtGarage any chance you know of anyone with some leaf springs laying around? The main leaf is snapped on the RR of my yota

[@cebado4x4]

Hello, good morning, I loved your video, what vehicle did you get the elocker from? I have a toyota hilux front differential and I would like to do the same upgrade

[@DirtGarage]

Mine is from the rear of a 2000 4Runner.

[@cebado4x4]

@@DirtGarage not working backwards?

[@DirtGarage]

@@cebado4x4 No, these Toyota diffs are the same front to rear. Front uses back of the teeth.

[@cebado4x4]

@@DirtGarage OK thank you very much

[@lemuelgonzales2160]

Do you need a special axle with longer splines with that mod?

[@DirtGarage]

Nope. Stock axles shafts slide into place.

[@lemuelgonzales2160]

@@DirtGarage good to know that. Thank you very much!

[@edwinrivera5155]

Hello, I have 2015 tacoma sport and need some help.. What can you recommend for my retro fit?

[@DirtGarage]

Hey! If you find a TRD Off-Road rear axle it will be a bolt on upgrade for you. Otherwise you can do the same thing I did and take the third member out of a TRD Offroad and retro fit it into your housing.

[@edwinrivera5155]

@@DirtGarage thanks

[@913.0slowarmygreen]

Did u also had to regear the front diff?

[@DirtGarage]

Yes

[@913.0slowarmygreen]

@@DirtGarage thank for reply

[@austinfarley5280]

the one gear isnt going to hurt it will go with out like 10 missing on 5.29s

[@DirtGarage]

Funny, someone borrowed that diff from me after to get them by and it ate the rest of the teeth real quick.

[@austinfarley5280]

@@DirtGarage dangit that sucks keep up the vids loving them

[@Jdmlsturbo]

Hey... curious... does it work if I were to put it in the front of my 2000 Tacoma 4x4 trd off-road? *ifs?*

[@DirtGarage]

Nope. The IFS front is a smaller size, 7 1/2 or something. I don't remember the exact size. But its smaller. This will fit any 8" Toyota axles.

[@FinMcMurder]

80 series front axle?

[@DirtGarage]

@@FinMcMurder I'm not positive about that? If the ring size is 8" like the mini truck axles I do not see why not! You would have to do some research though.

[@gufiaito69able]

I'm a noob and have questions lol. Where else can one reach you

[@DirtGarage]

Instagram

[@penys19]

link for this switch????

[@DirtGarage]

It's in the description.

[@4wdaddict41]

How do you make sure your holes are straight?

[@DirtGarage]

I held the drill as straight as possible, this is the biggest reason I took my axle out of my truck to do this. Worked out!

[@MR-nl8xr]

Magnetic drill, if you can afford it, or a drill press.

[@analog56x]

first comment!

[@DirtGarage]

Right on! First time I think I've got that comment 🤘

[@forzadrift3075]

Thanks for not showing anything important like all of your videos. You just tell us what you did.

[@DirtGarage]

@@forzadrift3075 your welcome

[@rodfather4668]

Cheers thanks your video filled in a few blanks around the toyota 8 " variants, I believe all the New Zealand built Ln106 and Ln65 only had the 4 cyl 3 rib diff, its interesting but makes sense now with the engine options compared to the North America Market . I have just secured a v6 turbo diff 4.88 which is very rear came from an import v6 surf . We did not receive the e locker option in the hilux but the 76 series prado landcruiser ran the 8 " high pinion e locker front we have a few of them over here so I will find a couple of them. Enjoy your trip away wheeling on Tuesday. Cheers