Rear Locking Diff option for a 2001 4runner

[1973Guppie]

Still trying to find the right vehicle, the one I found with a factory locker fell through. Now looking at a 01 at a dealership (hate dealerships)

anyhow, was wondering what options there are out there for the newer 4runners, specifically 01, this will be a work / business vehicle but I would like to also drive it off road on some basic wheeling trips. The 73 FJ40 will take on the harder stuff. I would like a locker though, as I know this increases 4 wheeling ability immensely.

How expensive is it to have a factory locker put in by the dealer? what options are there for an aftermarket locker? ARB, Detroit? I would like something that is an on and off as it will be a DD. I have dual ARB's in my 40 and like them but would like something non air actuated for the 4Runner if possible. I know detroit was coming out with an elocker?

The dealer was telling me something about "traction control" on the newer 4R's, tried to tell me it was similar to the rear locker? doubt this, any opinions?

I did search but couldn't find the specific info I was looking for. so........

Thanks!

Noah

 

[bjowett]

The lockers can be had for roughly $700, then the housing needs some mods, then you get to wire it. I would try to find one with a locker, it's just easier!

 

[CruisinGA]

Trac Control is decent for someone that has simple needs to get somewhere, not a recreational wheeler. You want something better soon.
I would keep looking for a factory difflock, currently there are no aftermarket elockers that I'm aware of for any Toyota, ARB would still be your best choice, there are no other selectable options.
A friend wheels a 97 4skinner with a factory rear locker, and it is very, very nice to have.

 

[Bighead]

As you have probably found out by now, the 2001 4Runner's did not have the E-Locker available as an option. They stopped this option in the 4Runner in 2000. You get the Center Diff Lock and TRAC control. You can retrofit a stock E-Locker but you do have do do some housing modifications, You can see some of the work involved here ( http://www.phorunner.com/e-locker.html ). I decided to go ARB front and rear, and re-geared to 4.88s at the same time. I ended up buying pre-built diffs from Inchworm Gear.

 

[calamaridog]

Like Bighead said, go with the ARB for the rear. Not cheap, but selectable and won't screw with your on road driving. Maybe $1000 bucks installed?