GX470 LOCKERS!! (1 Viewer)

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I have collected an 8.2 3rd member from a GX460 (rusty, but I can get it blasted it it was only $285) and have an OEM trussed 8.2 housing on order from Japan (Prado 150/non-US FJ Cruiser part number). I will update my build thread when the parts arrive and I confirm whatever nuance is needed to make this conversion work. I plan to re-use my axleshafts, brakes/brake lines, driveshaft, etc. The only complicated parts I foresee is 1) confirming that the GX470 rear sway bar mounts are in the same location and 2) figuring out how I can use my adjustable Ironman rear coil spring conversion mounts on the OEM coil rear axle or if I need to just get longer coils and ditch the conversion kit.
I want to hear your experience with this setup. I would like to do the easiest and cheapest route to a stronger (8.2”) and locking rear diff. I have no problem cutting or welding new sway bar mounts or similar. I hope you keep a “kit” list of all of your purchases so that I can hit the ‘easy’ button and copy your build.
 
How about a trutrac gear driven limited slip ? i think in cocnert with that ATRAC it might be nearly as good as a locker but steer better.

Honestly a locked rear with ATRAC front is about all you need in our trucks. IFS steers very little with a locked front locker :p

In the scenarios I find myself using the front locker, steering isn't a concern. Same as the rear locker. If you have traction, you can't steer with either front or rear engaged... but if you have traction you also generally don't need your lockers on.

Front locker has saved my ass a few times. I don't use either locker but for a few moments to get over obstacles here and there when traction is lost.

Are you guys running entire trails locked? If so you're doing it wrong.

Trutrac in the front would be horrible on pavement and super sketchy in snow. Selectable locker is the only way to go up front IMO.
 
In the scenarios I find myself using the front locker, steering isn't a concern. Same as the rear locker. If you have traction, you can't steer with either front or rear engaged... but if you have traction you also generally don't need your lockers on.

Front locker has saved my ass a few times. I don't use either locker but for a few moments to get over obstacles here and there when traction is lost.

Are you guys running entire trails locked? If so you're doing it wrong.

Trutrac in the front would be horrible on pavement and super sketchy in snow. Selectable locker is the only way to go up front IMO.
My buddy threw in Truetrac in his Jeep and it worked great in concert with the Brake lock differential. He said he didnt feel anything up front that altered or made steering tougher. Different system than GX though..
 
How about a trutrac gear driven limited slip ? i think in cocnert with that ATRAC it might be nearly as good as a locker but steer better.
locking the front in any way and steering with a stock drivetrain and rack is asking for damage.
 
In the scenarios I find myself using the front locker, steering isn't a concern. Same as the rear locker. If you have traction, you can't steer with either front or rear engaged... but if you have traction you also generally don't need your lockers on.

Front locker has saved my ass a few times. I don't use either locker but for a few moments to get over obstacles here and there when traction is lost.

Are you guys running entire trails locked? If so you're doing it wrong.

Trutrac in the front would be horrible on pavement and super sketchy in snow. Selectable locker is the only way to go up front IMO.
Never run the whole trail locked. I don't even lock the center diff all the time. Been doing this a long time....14 years in just my GX470 build and offroad. Been in land cruisers since 2002. Hell I've been a member here on mud for over 20 years!
 
My buddy threw in Truetrac in his Jeep and it worked great in concert with the Brake lock differential. He said he didnt feel anything up front that altered or made steering tougher. Different system than GX though.

That's sketchy AF on ice/snow.
 
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My buddy threw in Truetrac in his Jeep and it worked great in concert with the Brake lock differential. He said he didnt feel anything up front that altered or made steering tougher. Different system than GX though..
Yes, Truetrac + traction control system is very popular with the land rover guys and It seems to work very well. I have heard that having the open center diff will give you very nice street manners. But I do not think it is a good idea to put a truetrac in the front of a GX because of the all wheel drive setup.
 
Yes, Truetrac + traction control system is very popular with the land rover guys and It seems to work very well. I have heard that having the open center diff will give you very nice street manners. But I do not think it is a good idea to put a truetrac in the front of a GX because of the all wheel drive setup.

Truetrac is fine in the rear, and works great with traction control, but it's really only a 'good' option if just you're too cheap to buy a real selectable locker.

It's not a good idea in the front of any vehicle unless it's a dedicated trail rig or you live where it doesn't snow.

Even then there are scenarios on trail where I wouldn't want 'surprise' locking diff.

The GX has an open center diff until you lock it. Your typical 4x4 doesn't have a center diff.
 
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I have collected an 8.2 3rd member from a GX460 (rusty, but I can get it blasted it it was only $285) and have an OEM trussed 8.2 housing on order from Japan (Prado 150/non-US FJ Cruiser part number). I will update my build thread when the parts arrive and I confirm whatever nuance is needed to make this conversion work. I plan to re-use my axleshafts, brakes/brake lines, driveshaft, etc. The only complicated parts I foresee is 1) confirming that the GX470 rear sway bar mounts are in the same location and 2) figuring out how I can use my adjustable Ironman rear coil spring conversion mounts on the OEM coil rear axle or if I need to just get longer coils and ditch the conversion kit.
I’m eagerly awaiting your experience to borrow the idea
 
I’m eagerly awaiting your experience to borrow the idea
Probably a few more months til its in.

The housing did arrive however.
20250131_170905.jpg
 
Probably a few more months til its in.

The housing did arrive however.
View attachment 3837561
This housing looks great! Brand new candy!

Never mind…I just saw your other post with more pictures.

Can you take a close up of the area that’s different than the standard rear differential?
 
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This housing looks great! Brand new candy!

Never mind…I just saw your other post with more pictures.

Can you take a close up of the area that’s different than the standard rear differential?
Basically the same price for this new housing and core 3rd member (sitting in a box right now, no pic) as I'd be in for a junkyard 8.2! They are too expensive used and are rusty in my area.
 
All BS aside, I have the Harrops front and rear, they work great but very rarely use them. Nice to have when you need the thing. Just my humble opinion but I ran a 9inch rear in my jeep, it was nearly indestructible. The GX with its measly 8" is an example of catastrophic under build on a rig that heavy and with that much engine. Putting 35s on there an doing some moderate to hard rock climbing is asking for a shredded ring gear. I cant find the website now, but there's a guy out there building a built rear I think with a 9" and locked. it was a beautiful piece but if I remember right would set you back about $8k

I found it, Fusion builds them with a 35 spline 9": Fusion 35 Spline HD Fabricated 9" Rear Axle for Toyota Tacoma / 4Runner / FJ Cruiser / Lexus GX 470 - https://fusion4x4.com/collections/toyota-tacoma-axle-assemblies/products/fusion-35-spline-hd-fabricated-9-rear-axle-for-toyota-tacoma

Its a beautiful piece and would round off the gx into an indestructible rig.Fusion 35 Spline HD Fabricated 9 Rear Axle for Toyota Tacoma / 4Runner / FJ Cruiser / Lexus GX 470Fusion 35 Spline HD Fabricated 9" Rear Axle for Toyota Tacoma / 4Runner / FJ Cruiser / Lexus GX 470

Vehicle and Model Year: GX 470 - 2003-2009 (1st Gen)
Axle Width: OE Width (65.6")
Gear Ratio: 3.89
Locker/Traction: Detroit Locker
Pinion Yoke: 1350 with Conversion U-Joint (Select if using OE Driveshaft)
Axle Brackets: Yes, weld on 4Runner, FJ Cruiser Brackets, or GX 470 Brackets
Inspection/Fill Cap: No thanks
Fusion Commercial Paint Coating: Yes, ship fully painted

$7,430.00

Pretty good thread here:
Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum > Toyota 4Runner Forum > General Discussions > Stronger Rear axle swap ideas into gx/4th 4r/ 2nd taco

Found another one too, East Coast Gear can build a 60 to the door for about $6k:

ECGS 70 Rear.PNG

Anyway, its a good subject for a thread, the GX rear. Its the weak point of the entire rig and deserves careful thought when doing mods, changing tires and what you plan on using the thing for. I put some thought into mine, which is, I'm not much of a giant tire guy and I'm not going on the King of Hammers with my GX, a bit of rock crawling ability is nice to have. I fully expect my 8" to shred someday and when it does, Ill be going back in with a well built rear end that does away with the weak link completely. But I don't run 35s , I'm running 285s or 33s so I'm keeping my tire size down, that limits me on severe trails but, I'm not taking the GX on severe trails either, I don't want body damage, bang up the side and then some money starts pouring in. So, for me the 8" with the Harrop is good for now, when it shreds I go back in with bigger better.
 
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ECGS also sells a bolt in Dana 60, which is a few K cheaper than the 9". Front Range off-road sells a bolt-in 9.5" housing as well.

I personally went with the trussed 8.2 option as I don’t ever plan to exceed 35s and it's several thousand cheaper than the non-OEM custom housings. Had money been no object I probably would have picked a 9.5 housing from Front Range, just to use all Toyota parts.
 
ECGS also sells a bolt in Dana 60, which is a few K cheaper than the 9". Front Range off-road sells a bolt-in 9.5" housing as well.

I personally went with the trussed 8.2 option as I don’t ever plan to exceed 35s and it's several thousand cheaper than the non-OEM custom housings. Had money been no object I probably would have picked a 9.5 housing from Front Range, just to use all Toyota parts.
I've read some things about those front range guys, they're behind and take a long time, dont return calls, on and on.. I have no idea if any of it is true Red. Their stuff looks nice though and priced right. I was reading a bit and one guy was giving evidence the pinion flex is what takes out the ring gear. And with the 8.2 you have a beefier pinion so no flex, interesting to me because I've always equated strength to ring gear size but, the guy contends pinion size is equally or more important. It's in that one link I put up there for the 4 runner forum.
 
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I've read some things about those front range guys, they're behind and take a long time, dont return calls, on and on.. I have no idea if any of it is true Red. Their stuff looks nice though and priced right. I was reading a bit and one guy was giving evidence the pinion flex is what takes out the ring gear. And with the 8.2 you have a beefier pinion so no flex, interesting to me because I've always equated strength to ring gear size but, the guy contends pinion size is equally or more important. It's in that one link I put up there for the 4 runner forum.
It's probably still easier than ordering a 8.2 housing from a sketchy site in Japan like I did :).

The Dana 60 is certainly a good option as well and is a proven rear end with easy parts availability (even if non-Toyota). I think the pumpkin hangs down kind of low though, being it's a cast steel housing as opposed to a fabricated housing like the other options.
 

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