The "Wrong" Way To Install A Locking Differential

How to install an ARB air locker in your 5th generation Toyota 4Runner. I’ll show you what you need to do to remove the differential, how to do it without getting brake fluid everywhere, and how to remove and reinstall the unit without using a differential spreader.
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Disclaimer: I do this a little differently than the instructions say. Everything worked out great for me, but you are accepting your own risk by following this video and skipping parts in the ARB instruction manual.

[@TheVaevictus24601]

I bet in math class the teachers were always scared when you raised your hand and said " I didn't do it that way" lol

[@MagVair]

Yes! And I bet it wasn't JUST the math teachers!?.......? 🤣😂🤣😂 Story of my life! When someone says "that'll never work", I say "CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! "

[@ibrigs19]

The factory backslash spec is for new gears, it's close enough that they wear in together. You want to match the backlash as close as possible because those gears have already worn in together.

[@elliottblackwood7897]

Your snarkiness and self-deprecation is entertaining to this fellow gearhead/nerd. Keep the vids coming!

[@xX_Skraith_Xx]

"There's the right way to do something, and then there's also the easier and cheaper way that . . . will probably still work." Yep. Uh-huh. This is where I need to be. Subbed

[@bp9749]

I learned more about installing/setting up a diff in this video than any other I have watched.

[@alexhise968]

If anyone here ever needs to install the bearings without the use of a press fallow these instructions. Clean the diff. ●Lightly file or sand any sharp edges smooth ●Put Diff in freezer on the coldest setting 3hrs minimum ●Place inner bearing race in a fryer set to 400°F ●Remove diff from freezer and stabilize in the vertical orientation. ● Remove bearings while wearing welding gloves and drop straight onto shaft. ● Flip diff and repeat. ☆☆☆☆ If the bearings don't drop all the way down go get it pressed on☆☆☆☆

[@retro_88yota]

400 is way too hot for a bearing. 250 is the absolute max temp before you cook the bearing.

[@alexhise968]

A open steel cage bearing wont be cooked at all at 400 we use bearing heaters at work that will go all the way to 550 on some pump shaft assemblies

[@retro_88yota]

@@alexhise968 per Timken, absolutely no bearing should be heated past 250. I rebuild industrial gearbox for a living in a Timken platinum certified shop.

[@ianparrott4688]

By far the most competent guy doing these types of videos. If i have to watch one more video of a guy filming with his potato saying “i got uhh a uhm...then you gotta...err” im going to blow my brains out. Thank you good sir🙏

[@dpeagles]

👆👆👆👍👍👍👍

[@Carhug2012]

Half baked and reasonably good! Sounds like i'm at the right channel!

[@pjford1118]

For brake bleeding, clear vinyl tube works good, one end over the bleed screw the other in a small container with clean brake fluid ( stops air from sneaking back in)

[@cablenowadays6586]

I installed a air locker on my XJ in the rear and man do i love how easy it was to install with old technology

[@mathewhunt81]

love your sense of humor!

[@SuperGunsnstuff]

My new favorite channel. Keep the awesome vids coming!!!!

[@70Superbird]

If you don't use thread locker on the ring gear bolt, they (3 of them) could possibly back out and slowly shave the heads off. I'm just guessing, but it was a pretty good reason to get a new rear end...

[@OrdnanceTV]

I was gonna be complimentative but @Elliot Blackwood hit the nail on the head. Subbed for concise instructions, clean editing, lots of information and funny too.

[@thatradkid]

so.... yourr video and thought process has me debating if i want to try this on my front and rear.... i really want to install my own locker and set my gears!

[@jackweaver238]

This video was awesome. Great images that we're essential to my understanding.

[@llewellynpatrick160]

Informative and entertaining with a lot of other intriguing ideas on the channel - definitely worth a sub. Many thanks.

[@McFlysGarage]

The commentary on this is gold

[@joellowery]

love those instructions! great insight

[@hemanR-one]

thank you so very much. merry christmas.

[@rudetoy8264]

Right choice on the ARB air locker. Has been using the same locker on my front and rear diffs for more than 16 years. The video still funny and love the hula girl on your dash

[@mikpiotto]

Having built a complete model in cad (without one on hand) down to each bolt and oil sling, it was supercool too see one taken apart for maintenance

[@mpz375]

Well I woke up this morning to the news Toyota is putting a rear locker in the new trail edition, of course they didn’t in my 21 trail edition. Now I’m on a mission to install a rear locker. Thanks for the great video.

[@bigslacker666]

This right here is why I made sure to get the factory lockers in my FJ and 4runner. But I thoroughly enjoyed this vid anyway. Nothing makes me tackle an automotive project I don't want to do faster than someone trying to charge me a ridiculous amount of money for something that shouldn't cost that much. ;)

[@loganshotrod4x464]

Making a diff spreader should be pretty simple & I really think they’re necessary for most Dana axles. Other than that, I think you’re 100% on point!

[@OneleggedBandit]

Dude you are awesome keep the videos coming

[@cayman9873]

Your install was great to watch. I am scared to try this myself yet

[@PatrickWillcox]

Yeah...never ... ever.... going to ever attempt that...but a thoroughly entertaining video.

[@gasratzcustoms]

Super great video Matt! Thank you

[@John_Ridley]

"You'll feel like a total professional with this piece of precision machining equipment that you bought from Harbor Freight" :D

[@warweaponx6629]

Well looks like I’ll be spending $2K for someone to install lol.

[@aredman22]

Yeah. When I need to be 6/1000th of an inch precise, I'm hiring someone else not to F that up.

[@nmda9578]

Came to leave this same comment lol

[@keegannoel43]

Same lol

[@patriotsleepercell4060]

me too lol

[@billdibble7581]

This video of yours is from 3 years ago….long enough to have finally come to the realization that you should have gone with E- lockers

[@keepingup2952]

This was brilliant. Thanks.

[@mohamedsokkar8271]

Simple and you let it look easy but its actually not that easy 👏🏻👏🏻

[@EddieSpaghettiYouTube]

I know you are thinking this cause I was thinking this - haha. Love it!

[@netybar7136]

I find your videos very funny 😂 thanks I will install e locker

[@LukeTrundell]

Greetings from Southern Brexitland, I don't understand how you don't have thousands of subscribers 😂 absolute legend 👌 keep trucking dude ! Just wondering - what is it you do for a living ? A man with that many dtis and access to such a shiny press begs the question :)

[@someoneoutthere6259]

Legend! Excellent clip

[@accordv6er]

Subbed man you have the channel I want to have! Good stuff 👍😁

[@brenagade]

Thank you!! Cool video

[@SoftwareDevJason]

A style of installation I can relate to. Take my sub.

[@wideawaketotruth5301]

Half baked and questionably good. Damn, wish I could say you had me at hello. But that would be a lie and I'm straight. Fran friggin tastic video.

[@jimmyhylton9957]

Oh my god this video is good and entertaining

[@soulsurfer8797]

Nice video. Consider power washing and raptor coating your axles and undercarriage. Also, it looks like you do not pressure wash after wheeling. If you do apologies, but if you do not I would highly recommend doing it.

[@fredventrone3379]

Loving the videos ... on a side note, what lift, tires and wheels are you running? I’ve got a limited as well and just about to put some KO2’s and a Torq-Engineering 3/1 leveling lift. Likely going with 17x8.5 with either 0 or -10mm offset and 4.75 BS (slightly less BS with the 10mm offset x can’t recall exact number). Also just subbed, thought I did that after the roof rack vid - still debating the build/buy on that one.

[@greatnortherntroll6841]

Sometimes, SuperfastMatt is SupersketchyMatt, but that's cool because... he's still always Super! 😁👍

[@MrBammbalamm]

Hi Matt, go to the hardware store and get plastic tubing, I have about four feet of it. take a used brake fluid bottle and drill a hole in the cap a little smaller than the tubing and push it through. take the other side of the tubing and stretch the end so it fits on the nipple for the brake bleeder ( you have to get the right size tubing). Viola, bleeding with very little mess.

[@Jamie-hu8fq]

You don't need to use a hydraulic press to get the bearings on. You would find it easier if you have an induction hot plate to heat the bearing up which will expand the bearing. When it's hot enough they will just drop onto the shaft, allow to cool and repeat for the other side.

[@ejgrant5191]

Same for dropping a ring gear onto a differential unit....Heat that puppy to 220-250degrees and the ring gear will fall onto the carrier...can also put the carrier into the freezer if you like.

[@andreassittig2772]

Be real careful not to overheat those carefully hardened parts. Anything above 120°C / 248°F will reduce the service life of the bearing. The gold standard for DIY heating of bearings is with a pot of mineral oil and a thermometer.

[@radius8283]

Subbed thanks for sharing.

[@julias-shed]

Luckily I am nowhere near a desert but I did go to Tempe AZ a few times. Hail the algorithm!

[@warweaponx6629]

Had a local shop quote me $4K parts and labor. This self install is looking more and more appealing

[@MazzifLOL]

Solid vid.

[@brizzx32]

Very good vid, would have like more questions covered. How this mod affects the atrac, Does it need to be canceled? Things like that

[@zerocool2352]

"If you're someone that likes to follow the instructions, well you're probably watching the wrong video" ... this guy kills me!

[@nepicness]

I could be doing it wrong but I just got a glass sparkling water bottle, drilled a hole in the cap, put some 1/4 inch tube in it, then attach it to the bleed nipple. I make sure the hose goes up before it goes down to catch bubbles. You can bleed with one person but it helps with two to see bubbles.

[@unicornoffroad8900]

great commentary

[@Sami-rp7mf]

Great job. I definitely won't be able to fo this.

[@HashimJavedsofakinggood]

I enjoy your videos, keep it up. Also, you work at Tesla don't you?

[@johnnymula2305]

And this is why i use a mechanical Detroit Locker in my jeep and Bronco. Installations much easier. No o rings to worry about going bad. And no onboard air compressor to purchase and install. Although the compressors nice to have for airing up tire pressure after running trails. But theres usually a gas station a few miles from most trails in Phoenix and Mesa.

[@mohitnautiyal2631]

I would call my self a DIY guy, until I came across changing a diff.

[@seanimal_rex]

you should like, make more videos

[@michaeldose2041]

Here is how you can install a bearing without a press. Get a small pot, fill it with enough oil to cover the bearing. Heat the bearing to 350f. Remove it with pliers and drop it on. It will just drop, wait for it to cool and Bob's your uncle, it's installed. I have a camp stove I used.

[@BarryTorno]

Great video. What regulator did you use?

[@johansanchez7512]

good video

[@JonBecker81]

Some people would say that it’s more important to have a front locker than the rear if you have an independent front and solid rear because there’s a lot more articulation on the solid than independent. But literally every manufacture who gives you a factory locker puts it on the back unless they give you both front and back. Their “experts” probably know what they’re doing.

[@TheSethcoleman]

A locker on the IFS front end will eventually end up in broken CVs .

[@JonBecker81]

Seth Coleman Colorado zr2 has a locker on ifs.

[@TheSethcoleman]

@@JonBecker81 yeah, but just because gm does it - doesn't make it a good idea.

[@zman92630]

@@JonBecker81 IFS's are notorious for weak CV's.

[@avh128avh128]

Great video. Please provide a web link where you purchased that locker. should i add a locker for the front differential too.

[@kyletaylor2181]

I've installed the bearings by heating them sufficiently (with map gas torch (the yellow bottle one)) and quickly placing them on. Have a piece of wood and BAHammer to make a final smack cause if it cools its in place and then you gottta buy a press

[@stvargas69]

Are you sure you are an engineer? Or is it my bad I listened to all your guys instructions in the manuals for the last 25yrs.

[@nomadbound9610]

Use a hose and jug. The hose goes on the brake caliper grommet and the old break fluid goes in the jug. Just have a second person to push brake pedal until no air bubbles come out in the jug.

[@michaelparks3106]

When I grenade'd the locker on my Jeep Rubicon several years ago, I bought a replacement and took it to a local shop that specializes in rear ends. They swapped it in for $250 and it's worked perfectly since then. Your $1,000 quote seems rather high.... On another note, having a front locker makes a huge difference in many situations, it's 3 vs. 4 wheel drive. There have been many times when being able to lock the front made the difference between driving out, and winching out.

[@rushthezeppelin]

I was quoted 1k in labor for an ARB elocker as well from a very reputable 4wd shop in Denver. Air lockers are also a little more finicky than elockers. They probably bake a little extra into the price in case someone comes back with an air leak which is a pretty common issue wot have with ARBs.

[@IMxiaozuo]

I did the same mistake drilling the wrong size at the housing... shouldve found your video earlier..

[@andreassittig2772]

9:44: I did try to tighten PZ screws with PH bits (as well as vice versa) and I strongly advise against it.

[@RicardoMoreiraKrahnin]

Superfastmatt called me wizzard

[@ChristopherGaul]

I'm curious as to why you chose a locker over a Torsen or similar. Do you do a lot of heavy off road and rock crawling or?

[@mclarenjohnf1]

Quality cynical view on doing installs. Just the way I like it.

[@philipvolkoff8704]

Nice how long did it take you to complete

[@ChristianBorrman]

aye aye rear and centre (diff locks) what’s your thoughts on Limited Slip Diff (thought better not abbreviate) on rear vs lock?

[@boosteroids]

Do you have any suggest what rear diff lock for my 2WD hilux/fortuner?

[@kyergilreath2130]

So 2:36. Pretty sure u can just use bearing grease (slides in easier) and a soft-faced sledge hammer (prevents damage when hitting it in) or just hit it softly with a normal sledge hammer.

[@hijinks21]

nice video.. atrac is great till you are out in the sand like that. More so when the sand gets real soft

[@zxl2508]

As soon as this man started drilling holes a commercial for Toyota-certified mechanics came on. I think that is a sign...?

[@dwayneedwards9538]

Hilarious, keep it up

[@JMartinhomestead]

reasons you used the air locker over the detroit spur/worm gear automatic setup?

[@adamoloufa5205]

How did you get the old bearings off??

[@iowa_don]

I had an ARB air locker installed on my 1986 1/2 Nissan Pickup. The only problem I had with it is that it wanted to pump differential fluid from the differential up through the air line.

[@charbelmoussa3006]

Hello. Hope you're all doing well. I want to know if it's possible to install one of these on a 1996-2000 toyota rav4

[@Oladavol]

Thanks Matt! It's been 5 months since the upload. Has it held up well?

[@SuperfastMatt]

I'm a little late on the reply, but yes! it has held up perfectly.

[@Mr.Engineer.]

Hey Matt, you never checked your contact pattern between the gears. Is there a reason for this I am not seeing? Maybe because you didn't change your pinion gear bearings? 🤔 I did this on my HJ61 9" differentials, but on these the preload and backslash is also set a little different.

[@MagVair]

The "special tool" they're referring to is the installer......ED... 🤣

[@lukejensen3491]

to bleed brakes just make a little catcher by putting a hole in a jar lid and feeding a hose through it that will fit the bleeder nipple

[@martinedelius]

Based on experience, no, you shouldn't use Philips bits on Pozidriv heads, and vice versa. It's probably your sense of humor shining through but I feel that if you're advanced enough to tackle this type of installation you should have a #3 Pozidriv bit in your toolbox. :)

[@chazkranz5618]

Lil piece of rubber tube from the bleeder to an empty water bottle is a nice way to bleed brakes without getting your garage messy :)

[@julianhaylock9843]

Follow up? How are the gears running

[@SuperfastMatt]

Great! They lock and unlock with no issues.

[@greenflintriver]

Wow!

[@mikeykeogh8118]

You can hit bearings on with a hammer and socket that’s the perfect size so you don’t destroy the bearing

[@bandwagon240]

I may look like a wizard with my beard and all but I actually have a pressure bleeder with a Toyota specific master cylinder cap. Easy peasy.

[@TheMultisportGeek]

If you had a 4th Gen, where would you put it? Front or back? I really do t know.

[@zman92630]

If you don't have lockers at all, start with a rear locker. That will cover 98% of your terrain needs. You really don't need a front locker unless you're doing some wickedly technical terrain which will also require big ass tires, lift, UCA's, clearance, etc.

[@rjjablo]

One of the Pakistani truck videos had the old guy setting backlash with nothing more than experiance and a piece of wire.

[@galenztwo]

Bro I actually think I can do this now

[@brianb-p6586]

I don't know how I missed this, but now that I have seen it... A side gear is locked to the carrier, not a spider (or pinion) gear.

[@h-j.k.8971]

Hey Matt why did´nt you build a diff spreader out of a coupple of turnbuckles and a bit of flat bar?

[@SuperfastMatt]

Because I didn't need to. but be assured I would have engineered something jankey if I had needed it.

[@h-j.k.8971]

@@SuperfastMatt Yea I redid a light truck Diff a few Months ago and boy did I need it, so turnbuckles it was.