Junkyard Find - How to pull an E-Locker for a Toyota 4Runner

[@Skkitzzo316]

Between this PhoRunner Channel and Timmy the Tool Man, 3rd gen 4Runner owners are spoiled! thanks for the info.

[@PhoRunner]

Timmy is way better!

[@Jake_IBS]

So extremely helpful man, your a hidden gem for any 3rd gen owner, or 4runner for that matter. Thanks!

[@PhoRunner]

Just trying to keep up with Timmy the Toolman

[@FirstLast-tx3yj]

@@PhoRunner is there a list of all the vehicles with e lockers?? Would be useful to have several options other than a 4 runner too

[@PhoRunner]

@@FirstLast-tx3yj Only 4runner and tacoma will be compatible due to the size of the diff

[@yazming1720]

I have a 99 4Runner RwD...will this type of elocker give me positive track?

[@PhoRunner]

You could put a locker in a rwd vehicle. Some of the tacomas are rwd with lockers

[@flexapex9801]

I just found a parts t4 with a bad flex plate happens to have the lockers and center lockers. That’s gonna go on my five speed. Going fix the flex plate and give it to my son‘s on his 16th birthday. But I’m taking his leather seats that are mint and put them my 5speed LOL

[@PhoRunner]

Lol nice

[@ghulmalhooti618]

4runner manual came with 4.10 ratio so no need to sawp front diif

[@PhoRunner]

unicorn lol. hard to find those. you can find a tacoma diff and put it on a 4runner axle also i believe but those are hard to find also.

[@kfk1998]

@@PhoRunner So the diffs front/rear from 1gens Tacomas fit on 3gens runners??

[@PhoRunner]

Yeah. They will work. Just axle housing in rear is different

[@justinspurgeon9816]

Gotta love his mouth breathing reminds me like the hills have eyes how they breath when they talk kinda creepy lol

[@PhoRunner]

LOL I'm fat

[@ChrisRussell-wb5xr]

Im a new owner. But love the videos man. Hope you are still well!

[@PhoRunner]

Everything is all good!

[@leonmoore6736]

I’m learning so much from you man.. thanks for sharing.

[@PhoRunner]

No prob! Thanks for watching!!

[@rayurena3789]

You wouldn’t happen to know the part number that goes inside the e locker button to illuminate it?

[@PhoRunner]

I don’t :(

[@johnstontimothy901]

If you find the time to do a video on how to properly engage the 4x4 and locker while showing the correct indications, that would be very helpful. After watching yours and Timmy the Toolman’s videos, I’ve been looking for a donor vehicle to swap in a locker on my 5speed, but it seems I’m getting different indications on 2 different vehicles and suspect one of them to be broken. I’m new to the 4runner and 4x4 world tho and honestly not sure what indications I should be looking for. Clarification from someone who knows what’s up would be highly valuable. Thanks for the help. I’ve made all kinds of progress on my 4runner so far with the aid of your videos.

[@PhoRunner]

Press the button and wait for it to turn solid on the dash. if it's blinking, just roll the truck until it locks. If you have it outside, just turn the wheels until it locks.

[@johnstontimothy901]

PhoRunner Channel thanks for the help. Test drove one yesterday that never stopped blinking and wouldn’t engage. Had me second guessing myself. Hoping to find one soon and make the swap.

[@xxkevin01]

Good morning, I just got notified that there is a 1998 Toyota 4Runner limited v6 4wd, I currently own a 1997 4Runner basic v6. Would I be able to remove some parts to make mine a 4wd?

[@PhoRunner]

Converting a 2wd to 4wd is not worth the time and effort. It’s be best to sell your vehicle and buy a 4wd. The cross members don’t match so you’d have to relocate and weld one in. Many other things involved also.

[@xxkevin01]

@@PhoRunner thank you so much for saving me a junk yard trip & money lol

[@PhoRunner]

If it had a locker... snag it and resell it!! Worth good money hehe

[@xxkevin01]

It did have a locker, had the button inside too. It's been untouched since it arrived at the LkQ pick your part- Stanton, CA. It arrived Friday lol

[@PhoRunner]

Get it! Lol. Bring a buddy cuz it’s heavy!!!

[@abdielcrocamo9906]

Hello and thank you for your knowledge! This could work on my 3RZ 3rd gen?

[@PhoRunner]

Should work

[@Asian_Connection]

Amazing video. I just got a 98 4runner. Need some HELP. The 4WD would engage (solid green light) but to disengage after pressing the button the green light stay solid nothing happens right away but later after driving awhile there would be a BIG bang (shakes the car) and it disengages. Any guidance on what the problem is?

[@PhoRunner]

When you disengage it, drive around slowly (let foot off gas and coast) until it disengages. Turn steering wheel side to side to help it. Once the light is gone, drive as fast as you like lol. The bang doesn’t sound good though.

[@atgrant2312]

Wow that junker frame condition!

[@PhoRunner]

Lol cali

[@2vot]

Do you still have the axle assy

[@PhoRunner]

I do not unfortunately.

[@johnstontimothy901]

Ever seen a green ECU? I just pulled an e-locker for the swap and it came with a green ECU that has 13 wires instead of 10 like the black one. Can't find a wiring diagram for it anywhere...

[@PhoRunner]

I have never seen that before..

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great video

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks!

[@richardramos1821]

Thanks for the Video. Starting to build my 98 4Runner . No locker, looking to put a elocker in also regear. It’s a 5spd , running 265/75/16. Would you recommend 4.30 or 4.56 gears? Thanks

[@PhoRunner]

4.10 should be ok with a 5sp. Don’t regear unless you go to 33 or higher and even then, the 5sp may be fine.

[@franciscoagustin1283]

Question: if my 4runner is 2wd does the ratio still matter?

[@PhoRunner]

It doesn’t matter. 2wd have 3.7 or 3.9 gears. Moving to 4.3 will be amazing!

[@midnightzombie2811]

Hey I finally did the Elocker OEM swap into my SR5 tacoma. Your video was pivotal in getting the set up together. Thanks man!

[@PhoRunner]

Cool! Wish I filmed installing mine with all the wiring haha. Glad I could help anyways

[@midnightzombie2811]

@@PhoRunner the wiring harness was the hardest part. I found out the hard way that my SR5 came pre-wired already in the cab, without the hardware, just the wires and plugs. Then I had some help from an ebay seller in Oregon that actually made a wiring harness that is connects to the 4 wheel drive computer and dash. Made the process a lot easier. With a few zip ties later, and following the wires into the cab... and finally finished. Best upgrade. Now, I am looking at installing a killswitch, so i can upgrade the suspension afterwards.

[@PhoRunner]

Nice

[@AJfromSpace]

GREAT VIDEO BRO BRO!!!

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks

[@gregn267]

If I want an e-locker but the switch position has the diff lock button there (2002 model). is there a way to use a different switch? Thanks!

[@PhoRunner]

Yeah you can buy a low range Offroad wiring harness and switch for easy install. You can place the switch where all the blanks are on the left.

[@PhoRunner]

You won’t need all that ecu and plugs if you got that route

[@lazroo]

This channel makes me want to do this , currently 2wd, what would be the benefit of doing this ? I hear it makes it more reliable off-road but never understand why or what it really does

[@PhoRunner]

It locks the rear axle/tires together. When you go on un-even terrain, one of the wheel will lose traction and may be in the air and because of the open-diff, it makes the wheel in the air spin, while the one on the ground does nothing. That means you will get stuck. if you lock it, it will always spin together, therefore letting out of the hole. Many tacomas came with 2wd locked rears back in the day (they were the 'TRD off-road' models). So it'll definitely help but I think open-diff 4x4 will always win 2wd locked.

[@lazroo]

@@PhoRunner ohhhh !!!! That sounds really helpful for Offroading !!! Everyone always tells me " your wheel in the air will spin " but no one has ever said the key phrase " ground tire does nothing " so it's never made sense to me till now !

[@PhoRunner]

@@lazroo alot of people refer to 4wd as 2 wheel drive and 2wd as 1 wheel drive for this reason. It definitely makes things easier with a locker.

[@lazroo]

@@PhoRunner makes alot of sense ! Now if I found a rear locker , I'd replace the entire axle and gears , what else ?

[@PhoRunner]

Just straight swap drum to drum if you want. Just have to wire the e locker

[@dominickreyes5261]

On what years I can find the e-locker

[@PhoRunner]

97-00 I believe

[@jreg0028]

Would the rear locker work on the 01 02 models or did toyota change something with their design.

[@PhoRunner]

It will work but you will need some wiring to engage it and disengage it. Lots of aftermarket options for that.

[@davebarnett7026]

So I had to drop the entire axel housing for my 96 to repair a broken control arm mount. This video was extreamly helpful. Any idea what the second cable/ line is that is mated to e locker electric harness? You cansee it at 11:42 I just pulled mine out not sure what it is or how to put it back

[@PhoRunner]

Is it the breather for the actuator?

[@davebarnett7026]

@@PhoRunner So In order to remove the 3rd member from an axel housing must the locker be Engaged or Dis engaged?

[@PhoRunner]

@@davebarnett7026 engaged. You can slide over the gear using a flat head once you remove the actuator. Don't try to pull it out without doing this because it won't come out lol... Hence why I grabbed the whole axle.

[@gurfox1277]

One question, did you put a locking differential on your 4 runner who previously did not have a locked differential?

[@PhoRunner]

Correct

[@gurfox1277]

your 4 runner didn't have a locked differential before that means I can put one on my 4 runner

[@PhoRunner]

Yup it was open diff and I retrofitted it

[@gurfox1277]

@@PhoRunner my 4 runner does not have a locked differential I want to add one that is with differential lock can I do that

[@PhoRunner]

Yes you can. You can find what I found or you can buy arb locker and add it to your existing rear end.

[@ndub_5751]

So if I have a 2002 sr5 with center diff what do I need to switch to rear diff lock?

[@PhoRunner]

Just find what I found and wire her up! Don’t use center lock with the rear lock. You should have low range and another 4wd mode.

[@ReggaeRedeemer]

dude your vids are super detailed. badass man. 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@PhoRunner]

Thanks and no problem!!

[@miguelbautista608]

Question so the only thing I need to add rear lock differential is to remplace the rear differential and not the front?

[@PhoRunner]

You will need matching gears for front. If your gears match, then you only need to swap in a rear

[@jlaaj]

I’m struggling to pull the elocker pumpkin from the axle. I was hoping this video would answer that. Does anyone have a video link?

[@PhoRunner]

You gotta lock it. Then you can pull it out. You can remove actuator and use a flat head to spin the gear to lock it also.

[@jlaaj]

@@PhoRunner I snapped the longest stud on my actuator and I’m hesitant to force it without completely understanding how it comes together. Is it safe to use heat on these components?

[@PhoRunner]

@@jlaaj Here's a photo of what it looks like inside. Just a gear so snapping the long bolt should be fine since it will slide off still. www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/284551-i-bought-new-aisin-elocker-actuator.html

[@jlaaj]

@@PhoRunner I have since successfully pulled the actuator. Can you confirm which way the actuator has to be positioned? Driver or passenger side? I Did the opposite of what it was but the diff is hinge on something up top on something and I don’t want to reef on it too hard without knowing for sure. I suspect one of the multiple snapped studs is corroded and sticking. I have the axle shafts slide out as far as the brake lines will let me but that could also be a factor. Thank you for your time

[@PhoRunner]

@jlaaj if memory serves, towards the driver side when looking at it from the front (since that’s how you can see the gears). Do a quick search on Google as it’s a common thing people do

[@marcsmartinez01]

Dumb question since u installed a rr locker…..are they better than a center diff lock? I have the opportunity to buy a 2002 4r center diff lock or 1996 with rr diff lock. Both in similar condition and the diff lock is the deciding factor

[@PhoRunner]

Yes 2 different things

[@PhoRunner]

Center lock is good for snow where you want to drive around with all 4s. Diff lock is physically locking the rear for off kilter situations

[@groundladderquicktips9957]

Great video! I have a question. I own a 3rd gen 4runner with a 4:10 gear ratio (per your description) and I am looking at buying a rear diff e locker online. The seller says it came off a 4runner with the same gear ratio. Could I install this on my runner and be fine? Thank you - Layton

[@PhoRunner]

If it’s indeed a 4.10 on a 4runner, it will be fine but as far as I know, those do not exist? He’s probably not aware it’s a 4.30. Only Tacoma’s have 4.10 e locker diffs. A manual 4runner will have 4.56 most likely. Make sure you have him count the teeth before you order it just to make sure.

[@PhoRunner]

Teeth on ring gear / teeth on pinion will give you the gear ratio. So 41 to 10 is what it should be if it’s 4.10

[@groundladderquicktips9957]

PhoRunner Channel the only reason I think my 4Runner is 4.10 is because it says “A03A” on the sticker inside my drivers door. It’s a 2000 4Runner SR5 V6

[@todddiehl6879]

where dose the harness bracket mount to for e-locker is on top left rear shock perch?

[@PhoRunner]

yeah there's already a welded nut up there. You just find a spare bolt and attach the bracket to it.

[@darcioessa8966]

Hi brother. Thanks so much for the video. You got awesome info about 4runners in your channel. Thanks i think many people have to thanks you for that. About the video i got a 4runner 1kz manual transmission i dont know how to find the info about the gear ratio and in want to have a rear locker. So i got to a junkward and there is a rear diff with factory elocker from a prado but it’s already out. How to know if it’s gonna fit? Can you help me on that?

[@PhoRunner]

I’m not sure sorry bud! I would check the housing bolts to see if it’s the same and also check the ring gear size if it’s the same!

[@quinnbi8716]

Wow sweet find!

[@PhoRunner]

lucky! lol

[@waihale]

Thank you for your videos I’m a beginner and I got a 2wd 4Runner . I’m wondering how can I tell what ratio ( A/TM A/ 01A)gears I have ? And if 2wd can have e lockers ? Thank you in advance

[@PhoRunner]

2wd won't come with lockers but you could retrofit/add one. The ratio on 2wd (A01A) is 3.73.

[@waihale]

@@PhoRunner thank you very much

[@flexapex9801]

@@PhoRunner The limited don’t they run a 410 ratio?

[@PhoRunner]

Nah 430

[@davidjankovski5579]

i kinda broke my front diff and i need a used one,but i can't find any here in Europe,how much would a front diff 4.3ratio cost?

[@PhoRunner]

$150 usd. They are worthless. The labor in it won’t be fun though

[@MrZabicki]

They gave you the wrong ecu.the one they gave you is for the 4wd

[@cannaconfucius9303]

Hi, so just to confirm sir. Will this locker from a 3rd gen. Slide into a 2nd gen?

[@PhoRunner]

It will not

[@rafaelocegueda5137]

Question is the diff housing the same for 4wd and 2wd? Like can i swap just the differetial itself working on a conversion

[@PhoRunner]

Yeah same

[@mauriciogonzalez9337]

Do you khow if a fourunner 99 2.7 comes with diff lock?

[@Raffuentes030999]

Great video! I have an E-locker from a Tacoma truck although I am trying to figure out the ratio w/o opening it and I dont have the truck either. How can I determine the ratio? Thank you.

[@PhoRunner]

4.10 if it’s a taco elocker

[@Raffuentes030999]

@@PhoRunner the cable plug to the e-locker is circular. Is that also an indication that is from a taco and 4.1 ratio? Thanks so much

[@PhoRunner]

The plug should be the same as the 3rd gen 4runner plug

[@Raffuentes030999]

@@PhoRunner Can I use it on a Tundra 2000?

[@PhoRunner]

@@Raffuentes030999 no since they use a larger differential

[@urmommawasfun]

fuck I have the 4.1 gear ratio. Gonna need both :( lol your timing for videos is always impeccable. I having been planning on swapping mine soon. This videos gonna help alot.

[@urmommawasfun]

also thinking of pulling the body completely off the frame, so that I can clean it up and recoat it. You will have to do one of those videos soon. Yes, I realize that your frame has zero rust on it, but think about the service you will be providing all of us :)

[@PhoRunner]

lol i don't have the tools or expertise to do that. my frame actually is quite rusty. It came from canada haha

[@urmommawasfun]

PhoRunner Channel what tools are you thinking you are missing? I can’t see it being much more difficult than anything you have done. I think the biggest difficulties would be finding the time and space to do it. It won’t be a fast process, but shouldn’t be hard, from what I have read. Drive that yota of yours back up to Canada, and we can do it together this summer. It’ll be a blast, eh.

[@PhoRunner]

@@urmommawasfun hehe... maybe one day! I haven't had further rusting since I performed some basica "rust" remover and painting. Working on it has been more pleasant now that I've replaced a lot of the rusty bolts and parts :)

[@rodrigo105]

Any tips on 4th gen?

[@PhoRunner]

Arb air locker perhaps

[@shaolin29]

Awesome and very informative video! Thank you! I have a few newb questions...If I got a locked rear diff and axle housing from the yard, would there be any harm in using my original axles to complete the rear end? Also, do most junkyards charge around that price for a rear diff and front diff that you mentioned in the video? Found a CL deal for $900 complete front, rear, ecu, switch...worth it?

[@PhoRunner]

No harm since that’s exactly what I did. Most yards have their own pricing so it all varies. The locker alone typically runs for 600-700 so $900 complete isn’t bad.

[@hlubmoon8211]

Which junkyard did you find this at?

[@PhoRunner]

I mention it in the video. Ipull Upull

[@ryancasey9185]

Nice! God Bless!

[@daily_t4r234]

How much do you want for it? 😬

[@PhoRunner]

its on market for $700 but probably $600

[@daily_t4r234]

PhoRunner Channel where are you located? Very tempting.

[@PhoRunner]

4R_FastMods Fresno ca

[@daily_t4r234]

PhoRunner Channel dang that’s a 4 hour drive for me lol. I think I’m gonna try my luck at some of these near by salvage yards. If you don’t sell it within 1-2 months we have deal after some negotiations haha.

[@PhoRunner]

@@daily_t4r234 I got a lottttttttt of interest at $500 haha. I'm holding out.

[@hockeyjock91]

I am very interested in buying this from you and I believe I am local to you so pick up would be easy. Please dm me.

[@PhoRunner]

Scott H find me on 559yotas on Facebook. I got a lower price for them or find my fb marketplace ad

[@bailey2597]

I’m selling one right now if you haven’t got one yet

[@yongim2751]

I have 2004 Tacoma 2wd. Found a rear differential. Will it bolt right in?

[@PhoRunner]

The locker mechanism will mean it needs the axle housing too. If it’s just open diff to open diff or locker to locker, it will just bolt right on.

[@yongim2751]

@@PhoRunner will my stock axles be okay

[@PhoRunner]

Yea