2015 Tacoma locker options....

[Muzzfactor]

Hey guys I'm in the market for a set of lockers for my 2015 DCSB 4x4. I just got off the phone with 4wheel Parts here in San Antonio and was quoted a price of $3900 for both front and rear lockers. That's a little too much money for me at the moment and was wondering if there were any other options for the 2015. I've done a lot of searching but haven't come up with any alternatives. Thanks is advance.

 

[Paddy]

Lots of options for rear locker, but the front needs to be selectable locker so ARB is pretty much the only option. Also, properly setting up a locker is labor intensive so even if the locker is 250$ the install will be usually about 500$ labor and parts only. If you're handy you can do it yourself, however be warned its a pretty technical job.

 

[brianjwilson]

East coast gear supply. You can order a rear third member and a front clamshell with gears and arb lockers loaded for about $3100 after core return. If you don't mind installing yourself. I called one shop in Washington and was quoted over $5k for the parts and labor, needless to say I'll be order from ECGS when the time comes.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Is the $3900 for both front and rear Air Lockers?

FWIW, Marlin gets $1,600 for a built 3rd member with an ARB in it with a $250 core. I dunno if he does Taco fronts, but a 86-95 front diff built is $1,500, also has a $250 core. So he's right at the $3,100 mark, too, although shipping and core charges probably mean you'll end up above that. I'd trust his work against just about anyone's out there.

 

[brianjwilson]

Definitely worth shopping around for built thirds. Shipping locations could even make the difference. I believe ECGS ships free but you pay shipping to return your parts.

 

[Paddy]

Removal installation of rear third member is very easy! The front is a bit harder, but manageable for a handy dude.

 

[Paddy]

You didn't mention if you were re gearing or not?

 

[robert]

Can you just swap in a factory rear with the electric locker (junkyard pull?) and install an ARB in the front? I have no idea if that would work but it might save you a few bucks if the gearing is the same.

 

[toylandcruiser]

Lots of options for rear locker, but the front needs to be selectable locker so ARB is pretty much the only option. Also, properly setting up a locker is labor intensive so even if the locker is 250$ the install will be usually about 500$ labor and parts only. If you're handy you can do it yourself, however be warned its a pretty technical job.

It doesn't "need to be selectable"


"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

 

[Paddy]

It does because of the ADD system of 4wd engagement. If not it would be playing havoc with you while in 2wd. That's why you don't see applications for front auto lockers and LSD for Tacoma.

 

[toylandcruiser]

Well respectfully I've driven numerous trucks with lockers in the front. It's not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. Besides doesn't add disconnect one side which makes it act like it has hubs?


"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

 

[Muzzfactor]

Thanks for all your replies guys. The quote I was given was w/ the free mid-level compressor (CKMA12). And they said everything comes with a 3 year warranty..... I do agree that ARB's are probably the best, I guess I was just hoping they wouldn't be so damn much. I'm pretty mechanically inclined, but when it comes to gears and transmissions I draw the line and leave it to the professionals. I was hoping not to have to regear, I'm only going to go with a 3" Icon Lift so I'm probably only going to be running a 33" tire max, but I'm kinda leaning toward the 32's.... Do you think I would need a regear? I'm trying to turn my truck into a rock crawler, I just want it to be able to get me out of any predicaments I may get myself into...

 

[Paddy]

Well respectfully I've driven numerous trucks with lockers in the front. It's not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. Besides doesn't add disconnect one side which makes it act like it has hubs?


"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

It's not about driving a truck with a front locker, it's about a front locker doing weird stuff to a truck with ADD. Yes it disconnects one side shafts but no that's not like having hubs, it's like having ONE hub, which as you can imagine, is gonna make the locker try to lock. If LSD it makes the truck pull to one side. It's not ideal. Now, a person could disable part of the add system so that the side shaft stays engaged all the time, which would make a locker or LSD fine in front, but it would put more strain and fuel consumption. As far as budget minded stuff goes OP, if you are NOT regearing, then consider buying an auto locker in the rear only and let the trac system handle the front. This will get you out of (or into) a lot of trouble. If you are regearing, then the cost increase to install a locker in front becomes much less, so you may just want to bite the bullet in that case. The regear question is multi layered and complex, will need to know the whole story before you can decide that.

 

[toylandcruiser]

It's not about driving a truck with a front locker, it's about a front locker doing weird stuff to a truck with ADD. Yes it disconnects one side shafts but no that's not like having hubs, it's like having ONE hub, which as you can imagine, is gonna make the locker try to lock. If LSD it makes the truck pull to one side. It's not ideal. Now, a person could disable part of the add system so that the side shaft stays engaged all the time, which would make a locker or LSD fine in front, but it would put more strain and fuel consumption. As far as budget minded stuff goes OP, if you are NOT regearing, then consider buying an auto locker in the rear only and let the trac system handle the front. This will get you out of (or into) a lot of trouble. If you are regearing, then the cost increase to install a locker in front becomes much less, so you may just want to bite the bullet in that case. The regear question is multi layered and complex, will need to know the whole story before you can decide that.

Once again, my experience is different. One of the off-road mags busted the myth of corny lockers and being horrible to drive. But to each his own. Of course selectable is ideal for all scenarios.


"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

 

[Paddy]

You've driven ADD trucks with front auto lockers?