How do you know if a L/c has lockers? NEWBY

[joem]

I am new to Land Cruisers and shopping/searching around. I see on FJ60's there is a rear locker switch on the r/s of the steering wheel. On the FJ 80's early 90's there is a center Diff Lock on the r/s and a dial on the left.
Can there be one without the other?
Where are they on the mid-late 90's?

Also what does the center locker do??? I am puzzled. Is it a release of the Full-Time 4WD?

Thanks,
Joe

 

[warpdriv]

Hi Joe and welcome.

There will be a locker switch on the left side of the steering wheel. The center locker actually locks the center diff. When it is unlocked it distributes the power differently. I'm not sure the ratio.

HTH

 

[corsair23]

Joe,

Just about all you'll ever need (ok, not really but close ) or want to know about the 80 series or LX can be found here:

80 Series FAQs

It is a sticky at the top of the 80s section.

Within that you will find links for just about everything from what all the crazy abbreviations mean that people use to the 80 series buying guide to rebuilding a transmission.

You'll also find a section on how to determine if the 80 had factory installed lockers in chapter 1 to write ups on the basics on differentials in chapter 2.

You can spend days reading everything and I suggest that at the very least you glance through the majority of the FAQs just so you know what is in there - like the section about starting problems should that ever happen to you.

I see on FJ60's there is a rear locker switch on the r/s of the steering wheel. On the FJ 80's early 90's there is a center Diff Lock on the r/s and a dial on the left.
Can there be one without the other?
Where are they on the mid-late 90's?

Also what does the center locker do??? I am puzzled. Is it a release of the Full-Time 4WD?

Couple quick notes. The FJ80s IIRC all had a CDL switch installed. '93-'97 FZJ80s did not have a CDL switch installed as a standard. (Read the newbie guide on the differences between FJ80s and FZJ80s because there are some pretty big differences). You can easily add a CDL to a '93-'97 FZJ80 as the harness and connector are there, it just takes a switch (whether you choose the real CDL switch or the cheaper hazard switch route).

The lockers (factory) utilize the rotary dial to the left of the steering wheel and yes, you can have one without the other. Many folks add the CDL switch as there are benefits to doing so like being able to lock your center diff in high or if you do the pin 7 mod you can have the center diff unlocked in low (helps with turning radius on tight trails when in low).

As for what the CDL does. The 80 series is an AWD vehicle. The CDL locks the center diff basically changing the AWD behavior of the 80 into a 4WD behavior (i.e. the front and rear axles are 'locked' together and getting equal power like in a regular 4WD vehicle). There is no provision for an 80 series to release the AWD or full time 4WD functionality other than going with a part-time kit that changes out the front hubs for selectable hubs plus some changes in the center diff/transfer case.

Another thing the CDL does is if you ever need to, you can remove a drive shaft (front or rear), lock the center diff, and still be able to drive the truck. If you remove a drive shaft and don't lock the center diff the truck will go no where. Think of it along the lines of an open diff where one wheel gets lifted off the ground and all the power goes to that wheel with the least resistance.

HTH and welcome (official MUD welcome)

 

[lt1fire]

You need to read the FAQ and the info that Slee has on their website.

No 60 series came with factory lockers in the US (or the world I think)

For an 80 it is a dial that says RR and FR diff lock on it to the left of the steering wheel.

 

[fe sus]

hj61 had cable lockers on some models... but yeah, not here.

 

[crazyjehu]

I have seen some reports of sellers installing the switch to the left of the steering wheel to sell it for more money, always a good idea to look under the vehicle and verify the actuator exists on the axles.

 

[corsair23]

I have seen some reports of sellers installing the switch to the left of the steering wheel to sell it for more money, always a good idea to look under the vehicle and verify the actuator exists on the axles.

Yep, even that is mentioned in the FAQ linked to above

 

[joem]

Thanks all and Corsair23,
Wow info overload!!!!!


1. I am taking it that the center lock button is stopping the Subaru type AWD is basically making it act like my dodge ram 4x4's transfer case (50front/50rear)?

2. I see the dashes(Auto Trader/ebay photos) are different on the 93 and the 97. Do both of the different dashes have the CDL switches located over the Heat and a/c controls.

3. It is my understanding that the 91-92 had no locker option but the CDL was standard.

4. 93-94 is equipped with CDL just pop out the blockout tab on the dash and plug in a CDL switch and WALLA.

5. Were there any L/C imported in 89-90?

 

[Lc80series]

The FJ62 was imported in 89-90. Looks like the FJ60 but has rectangular headlights instead of round headlights. The 62 also has the 3FE (fuel injected) whereas the 60 came with the 2F (carb).

 

[joem]

Besides my questions in post #8 what is the switch for on the 95-97 models next to the gear shift.

If any one can go into the details would be great.

I have admired these trucks for years. I had e a 1988 and a 1990 4-Runner and they were the best trucks I have ever owned. I needed more room for my plumbing gig and went to a 91 Suburban then a 99 diesel, next a 2002 Excursion diesel to a 2005 Ram Diesel. Still the Toyota's were the most trouble free reliable trucks yet.

 

[Locked450]

I assume you are referring to the two switches located at the bottom right hand side of the shift console.
There is a PWR button that modifies the shift point of the transmission (will shift at higher RPMs). The second button causes the transmission to start out in second gear (purpose would be for use in extremely slippery situations such as ice on roadway). I never use this option.

 

[retrofive]

Besides my questions in post #8 what is the switch for on the 95-97 models next to the gear shift.

If any one can go into the details would be great.

I have admired these trucks for years. I had e a 1988 and a 1990 4-Runner and they were the best trucks I have ever owned. I needed more room for my plumbing gig and went to a 91 Suburban then a 99 diesel, next a 2002 Excursion diesel to a 2005 Ram Diesel. Still the Toyota's were the most trouble free reliable trucks yet.

95+ you can add a flat CDL switch (std hazard light from most toyotas)

And correct 94- has a different dash (I prefer personally) and uses the "curved" CDL switch from and earlier model OR you can you use a flat hazard switch and pop into a blank on the 93-94 dash. HTH

 

[corsair23]

1. I am taking it that the center lock button is stopping the Subaru type AWD is basically making it act like my dodge ram 4x4's transfer case (50front/50rear)?

I think the other questions all got answered except this one...

Yep, pretty much that is what happens when the center diff is locked.

 

[joem]

1997 dash?

Now where would the CDL mount on this dash. It has the Toyota Security Light/or switch where I thought the CDL switch would go. I see the dial on the right in on of the photos.
Cars for Sale: 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 in Columbus, OH 43228: Sport Utility Details - 282835569 - AutoTrader.com

 

[firetruck41]

In one of the blanks, you can move the security light to another blank and put the cdl switch there.

 

[Otamiway]

Two tone leather, Auto Temp control hmmmmmmmmm 40th Anniv Model?

 

[corsair23]

Now where would the CDL mount on this dash. It has the Toyota Security Light/or switch where I thought the CDL switch would go. I see the dial on the right in on of the photos.

I relocated my antenna switch to the lower row right next to cig lighter. I almost never use the switch so it was the one to go and it would reach (IIRC I had to remove some of the taping on the wire bundle).

Then I moved my hazard switch to where the antenna switch was, moved the security dealyo to where the hazard switch was, and mounted my CDL switch in where the security dealyo was.

In the end it is all personal preference. Some have even extended the wire harness and mounted the CDL switch to the left of the steering wheel over by the front/rear locker dial.

Nice find on the 80. A '97 Antique Sage AE (the color in the ad is incorrect) with factory lockers - pretty rare rig IMO...So few came with lockers and Antique Sage (my favorite color) was only available in '97 on the AE model

 

[VanGo]

Welcome to MUD!