70 series Locking Differentials--cable, electric parts compatibility

[gilmorneau]

Does anyone know if the 70 series axles with locking differential are the same between a cable locked 70 series (from before 1990) and an electric locked one (after 1990)? In other words, is it just the actuation method and hardware that's different, or are the axles themselves different as well. If I could source all the handles, brackets, cables, etc. could I convert an electric locker into cable without swapping the 3rd member? Or, vice versa, if I could source the wiring and actuators, could I similarly convert a cable locked truck to electric? If it's already been discussed, please point me to it. thanks

 

[gilmorneau]

OK...I'm an idiot. Found it right after I posted this. The answer is "no" (mostly). The electric locking 70's have 8" ring gear up front, the cable lockers have 9.5" front and rear. So there ya go.

 

[bjowett]

The factory 8" electric lockers can be converted to cable. I built one years ago using automatic Bowden type shift cables from Toyota automatic transmissions.

If

Here's one I built for the 2/4WD shifter on an FJ40 Orion transfer case build.