Fitting factory lockers to a non locker rig

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Joined
Apr 13, 2009
Threads
33
Messages
149
For a bj73/73 how difficult is it to fit factory lockers onto a non locker rig? I.E. is it just a drop in deal or are the diff housings, etc different. This is assuming a complete installation with levers, tach assembly with locker lights etc.
 
I did an e-locker retrofit on my 40, not too hard. Do you have the high pinon front axle, or the standard 9.5" housing?

You need to modify the axle housing a bit, and will need the long spline axle shafts.

With e-lockers you'll need to figure out the electronics, cables you have to work the linkage and knobs.
 
Different axle housing for factory locker towards non locker.
Still workable if you open up a notch on the housing.:idea:
Will need a long spline on the short shaft

BJ73 should have a 9.5 front diff, No high pinion for them.:o
 
You need to modify the axle housing a bit,

Different axle housing for factory locker towards non locker.
Still workable if you open up a notch on the housing.:idea:

Also, you will need to replace a few of the differential mounting studs with longer ones to fit the different thirds;)
 
Different axle housing for factory locker towards non locker.
Still workable if you open up a notch on the housing.:idea:

Workable or ideal? The reason I ask is that I've found a clean bj74 but it doesn't have lockers. If its a major undertaking then I'd just assume pass and find one that has it. That said I don't mind looking for a different housing and going that route.
 
Workable or ideal? The reason I ask is that I've found a clean bj74 but it doesn't have lockers. If its a major undertaking then I'd just assume pass and find one that has it. That said I don't mind looking for a different housing and going that route.

Workable provided you have all the bit of parts ready. Sourcing out a factory e locker, long spline shaft, long studs for diff gear will be an issue.:hhmm:
 
Workable provided you have all the bit of parts ready. Sourcing out a factory e locker, long spline shaft, long studs for diff gear will be an issue.:hhmm:

So from what I'm hearing it would probably just be simpler to find a set of locked axles and swap.
 
So from what I'm hearing it would probably just be simpler to find a set of locked axles and swap.

Simpler maybe but way more expensive. You can convert for about $1500 assuming $500 for each locker from an 80 and $250 for the shafts. Longfield will make them for you for about that price. Mudrack may have a front one for you for cheaper. Same as a 40 up front, right?

The studs are available from Toyota and clearancing the diff is easy. You just mark it using the gasket and hit it with an angle grinder.

The electrical circuit is a bit of a brain teaser, but not bad. I have one set up with just a dpdt switch and it works. I plan to replace it with the right circuit though. Sorry I don't have time to type in a detailed tech article. Everything I know I learned by searching.

Articles on mini-truck e-locker conversions are mostly relevant as well. A cruiser housing does not need as much work.
 
Workable or ideal? The reason I ask is that I've found a clean bj74 but it doesn't have lockers. If its a major undertaking then I'd just assume pass and find one that has it. That said I don't mind looking for a different housing and going that route.


Where? An Aus on or Jap? Very unlikely to find a Aus delivered BJ74 with factory lockers.

Jap ones seem much more likely to be optioned with lockers.

Cable lockers too mind you, not E lockers.
 
Where? An Aus on or Jap? Very unlikely to find a Aus delivered BJ74 with factory lockers.

Jap ones seem much more likely to be optioned with lockers.

Cable lockers too mind you, not E lockers.

I was guessing Canada. Last pair of cable-locked axles I saw were going for $4000. :eek:
 
Where? An Aus on or Jap? Very unlikely to find a Aus delivered BJ74 with factory lockers.

Jap ones seem much more likely to be optioned with lockers.

Cable lockers too mind you, not E lockers.

The one I was looking at was JDM. However as we talked about I'd very much prefer to deal with a 12v system. So its going to be easier to swap axles for the lockers than swap electrical systems.
 
The one I was looking at was JDM. However as we talked about I'd very much prefer to deal with a 12v system. So its going to be easier to swap axles for the lockers than swap electrical systems.

I don't disagree, but if you were to find a good deal it's not difficult to get a converter and a 2nd fuse panel for 12v circuits.
 
That's not true.
Starting in 89/90 7x series front axles changed to the 8" high pinion. Make sure you're getting the right locker. Modifying the housing for an E-Locker is VERY easy.

That's the period where Toyota changed to high pinion started with the swapped of 1HZ engine. which means to say that BJ series all are having the front big diff gear. NO high pinion for BJ series. HZJ series YES, high pinion!
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom