Where to buy? TJM Pro Locker for Lx470 Rear

[growe]

Hey all,

Tldr: looking for tips on where I can buy a TJM prolocker for a toyota 9.5", 32 spline diff. Part number : 168pl02

Im looking to get a locker for the rear of my 98 lx470. I really like the prolocker from TJM for a bunch of reasons, however, as of August 2024 it seems like they've closed up shop in the US and have stopped producing the prolockers all together. I've emailed a couple dealers/shops in the California area and have got the same story from everyone, that they don't have any in stock, and tjm themselves has stopped making them.

If anyone knows of any shops that might have them in stock, or even a member that has a used one they're looking to offload can you let me know? I'm willing to cover shipping costs if it's further afeild.

More somewhat related thoughts for more context:
- I'd rather not go with ARB. I only want to do this install once ever, and I've heard not stellar things about air leaks and o-rings.
- I think my best alternative right now is an eaton e-locker. I'm not super stocked about the actuation method though, and at ~$400 more than an air locker I'm not stoked about the price.
- I have managed to find a tjm prolocker for the front. Getting that on order Monday, but it's coming from down under, so will be a couple months before it arrives.

Thanks for any pointers!

 

[Trunk Monkey]

I don't know much about the Prolocker, but are you sure you want to go with a product that's ceased production? Just think of now no parts availability if something breaks.

 

[growe]

That's a fair point. I figured if something was to grenade it wouldn't likely be a part of the locker itself, but more likely driveshaft or ring gear. I suppose you never know though.

I think I'll end up going with an Eaton unit in the rear after all.

 

[MongooseGA]

I was set on the TJM myself but they weren't available when I purchased. I ended up with Eatons front and rear and have been happy. The only issues I've had were faults in the plastic wiring connector on the rear diff. I instead direct wired it and all good since.

 

[OEMGUY0720]

I was set on the TJM myself but they weren't available when I purchased. I ended up with Eatons front and rear and have been happy. The only issues I've had were faults in the plastic wiring connector on the rear diff. I instead direct wired it and all good since.

Mine has been sitting in my parts bin for close to two years now and haven’t had the chance to install them. The Eaton e-locker will be my first aftermarket e-locker. What is your experience with the difflock’s engagement upon flipping the switch? From the different videos I’ve seen sometimes it takes them a quarter or half wheel rotation before they feel both sides lock with 1:1 rotation. Or what’s your best practice when using them. Thanks.

 

[MongooseGA]

Mine has been sitting in my parts bin for close to two years now and haven’t had the chance to install them. The Eaton e-locker will be my first aftermarket e-locker. What is your experience with the difflock’s engagement upon flipping the switch? From the different videos I’ve seen sometimes it takes them a quarter or half wheel rotation before they feel both sides lock with 1:1 rotation. Or what’s your best practice when using them. Thanks.

I haven't found engagement to be an issue like is reported online. Engage the lockers before you need them, say as you're approaching an obstacle. When you need to disengage, it's pretty immediate. If you want them to be, they will stay locked in reverse as well; I know that was a misconception I've seen posted online.

My least favorite part of my set up is actually the OEM 80 series switch that lives left of the steering wheel. I love that it looks completely factory in my truck, but it's just not an intuitive dial. Doing it again, I'd look for something closer to your normal line of sight and more "eyes off " friendly. But, that's splitting hairs.

 

[OEMGUY0720]

Thanks! I like the idea of the 70/80 series diff lock dial switch as well. Good to always know first hand experience on the eaton e-locker. Will need to figure out when can I install mine. Btw do you have a write up install on that?

 

[MongooseGA]

I don't. Mine were installed by @Wermz at the same time he did my Nitro gears.

 

[Hulsty]

Get a ARB and someone that knows how to install it, done, + 5 year warranty and plenty parts available.