100 series front diff lockers vs stock replacement

[Ukko100LC]

98' 100 series damaged my front diff recently, likely due stock 2 pinion as well as driver error. My foot was suddenly a little too heavy! Trying to decide between getting a new front diff from Toyota (would be 4 pinion) vs going to lockers. Never had lockers before and haven't felt like I've missed them, but I didn't have them so it wasn't an option I even thought of. I come across some larger rock on occasion but don't seek them out. Usually try to drive around them or have strategic wheel placement. Rig is mostly a camping vehicle - not daily driver.

Looking for best value, I have a budget but do have some flexibility with it.

Do you feel the front lockers are worth it vs OEM 4 pinion front diff?
Would you do both front and rear?

I have not been able to reach Slee (email and phone) so no idea what they would charge. Toytech for front and rear is around $4K but not sure they are including the price of the compressor.
New OEM complete front diff is $2535 shipped to my house. Then not sure how much Western Drivetrain charges for install but likely less than the $1700 in labor from Toytech.

I appreciate the input, thoughts/opinions.
Thanks

 

[diego355]

4 pinion is just as weak as the 2 pinion diff. I have experienced breakages first hand in the same obstacle, 98 vs 03 100 Series the 98 (mine) being as heavy as it could possibly be and the 03 just bigger tires and a lift.
Get a locker, problem solved
Both 100's and the obstacle mentioned

 

[FJFOOL]

Since you asked about doing front and rear I assume you don't have a rear locker either. Totally depends on what you want it for but since the front is bad I'd go ahead and put a locker in there and do the rear when funds recover. I'd check with Cruiser Outfitters for pricing and availability, can't go wrong with them !

 

[Trapper50cal]

@cruiseroutfit

Cruiser Outfitters usually carries a number of built thirds for your application.
If you're going to replace the front, you may as well get a locker, the carrier is way stronger
than either the 4-pinion or 2-pinion. Then as far as the back goes, you can put in a used
factory locked third or match the front.

I have a '99 that's completely unlocked and I plan on Factory rear and either Harrops or ARB front locker.
I'd like to stay all electrically activated as opposed to having to add a compressor and rely on somwhat
iffy air-lines.

 

[Ukko100LC]

4 pinion is just as weak as the 2 pinion diff. I have experienced breakages first hand in the same obstacle, 98 vs 03 100 Series the 98 (mine) being as heavy as it could possibly be and the 03 just bigger tires and a lift.
Get a locker, problem solved
Both 100's and the obstacle mentioned

View attachment 3689663

View attachment 3689664

Good to know! I thought the 4 pinion would be much stronger. thanks

 

[Trapper50cal]

Good to know! I thought the 4 pinion would be much stronger. thanks

I thought so too, and I think there probably is a difference, if not discernible on the trail.
If I could get ahold of a 4-pinion used for cheap to replace the 2-pinion, I would still think
about it as a moderate upgrade...I've heard of people breaking their 2-pinion diff on a
partially icy driveway where traction changes drastically and I have to think a 4-pinion
would not succumb to something like that.

But double-locked is the best insurance.

 

[SteveH]

I bought/installed a junkyard '99 LC locking rear axle for $400 and used the Trailgear harness. By using the locker, you can take some load off the front axle when four-wheeling (if you use good judgement). My wimpy 2 pinion front diff is still holding up at 327K miles and I try to be nice to it and keep it alive.

 

[OffRoadRN]

What did you end up doing? 1999 here in the same boat with a broken diff. I was originally set on 4.88 and a front locker. Not really sure about upgrading to 35s so now I’m considering just the front locker. My 100 is a dedicated adventure rig.