E-locker on non TRD Tacos?

[DaveM]

First question is was there an e-locker option on non TRD badged vehicles for 2001-2004 DC Tacomas? I think it was but not sure.

Second question, where is the e-locker control in the cab? I want to know so I can spot non-TRD vehicles with the E-locker option, if possible.

For example:

thanks,
dave

 

[98sr5]

i dont think so it has to be a trd but some trds didnt come with the elocker. the elocker control is on the left side of the steering wheel on the dash right behind the turn signals its a little inch long button that says elocker in red its the same size as the clutch start cancel and ecu button.

 

[DaveInDenver]

i dont think so it has to be a trd but some trds didnt come with the elocker. the elocker control is on the left side of the steering wheel on the dash right behind the turn signals its a little inch long button that says elocker in red its the same size as the clutch start cancel and ecu button.

Early on, like 1996, 1997, 1998, it was possible to get a truck with an e-locker and not TRD. But I think around 2000 or so that option was removed.

 

[FlatlandTRD]

First question is was there an e-locker option on non TRD badged vehicles for 2001-2004 DC Tacomas? I think it was but not sure.

Yes, there are a few DC '01-04 on record that had the e-locker addition sans TRD package. Not many, there were more without the TRD package that had the TRD badging (thanks to ebay & others). See the above posts for location of switch. Switch reads:

RR
DIFF
LOCK

Now if you find a DC with a clutch start cancel, it's truely a one of a kind. But the switch will be similar to the ECT one.

 

[DaveM]

hmm, so on 2001 - 2004 no TRD means no e-locker? Bummer.

EDIT, just read your post FlatlandTRD. Still sounds like it's unlikely, and now I gotta watch out for TRD badged trucks with no e-locker to boot.

 

[Cackalak Han]

It doesn't say, "elocker". It says "RR DIFF LOCK" in orange.

Like this:

 

[SOAZ]

Just a friendly warning. Others have brought it to my attention that some folks without a locker may buy a truck with one. Swap out the rear ends and then resell truck without it so there is essentially "no cost" for their locker.
This is obviously lowly and very shady unless they market the truck as then NOT having a locker when sold. (I'm sure this is somewhat rare, but if you are about to hand over some money its good to keep in mind)


So, just because there is a button...
Because of this I would recommend engaging the locker. (just do it in a straight line on pavement!) You should be able to hear and kinda feel it engage and disengage. (Or you can look at the actuator on the rear axle, but I don't have a pic of it)

First question is was there an e-locker option on non TRD badged vehicles for 2001-2004 DC Tacomas? I think it was but not sure.

Second question, where is the e-locker control in the cab? I want to know so I can spot non-TRD vehicles with the E-locker option, if possible.

For example:

thanks,
dave

 

[DaveM]

There should be wires to the rear diff, not sure how visible they are though. I'll make a point of looking for the wires not just the button, though I'm not having much luck finding trucks to look at these past couple of weeks.

 

[grillmasterp]

First question is was there an e-locker option on non TRD badged vehicles for 2001-2004 DC Tacomas? I think it was but not sure.

Second question, where is the e-locker control in the cab? I want to know so I can spot non-TRD vehicles with the E-locker option, if possible.
For example:
thanks,
dave

The E-locker option was available outside of the TRD package atleast till 2002- albeit a rare occurrence.
http://ttora.com/forum/showpost.php?p=121576&postcount=63
(see attached window sticker)
Not sure if DC configuration played by the same rules.

X2 what SOAZ mentioned

Look for the RR Diff button to the left of the steering wheel-
Look at the diff to make sure the rear drain plug is on the driver side and that there is an actuator on top of the diff
make sure it works- (cost of E-locker actuator is basically the cost of a complete E-locked axle)

 

[CYi5]

I've seen tacomas at local dealerships that are E-locked but missing the TRD sticker. The dealers simply price them as the standard non-TRD model. it's amazing how little auto dealers actually know about what they're selling.

 

[DaveM]

I've seen tacomas at local dealerships that are E-locked but missing the TRD sticker. The dealers simply price them as the standard non-TRD model. it's amazing how little auto dealers actually know about what they're selling.

I was talking to a dealer in Sacramento last week, I asked him what was in the limited package just to see what he would say. After hemming for a bit he said it was the black fender flares and a few other pieces of trim. Then he said they were basically all limited's. So yeah, I don't listen to a thing the dealer says and try to get as much info as I can on my own. Knowing how to spot an e-locked non TRD could help save a bundle if I find one.

 

[CYi5]

You can see the E-locker actuator here protected by a small metal guard. You can also see some wires coming out of it. A Non-TRD will not have the added actuator.

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

I've retrofitted e lockers into non locked housings a couple of times. It is not that hard and takes about a day or two... I think it is the best way to get a locker, and I have paid as little as $275 for the e locked third member complete via car-part.com. The rest of the parts listed are on 4x4wire.com and the directions are great...

 

[Bergger]

As mentioned above if you are buying a used 01-04 model look at the axle. You'll see the locker on the front drivers side of the pumpkin. An easy way to tell without crawling under is also to look at the drain plug. Locker equiped axles have the plug on the drivers side, non locker is on the passenger side.

 

[Paul R]

I've retrofitted e lockers into non locked housings a couple of times. It is not that hard and takes about a day or two... I think it is the best way to get a locker, and I have paid as little as $275 for the e locked third member complete via car-part.com. The rest of the parts listed are on 4x4wire.com and the directions are great...

You have to be careful with that though, because as I understand it there is no reasonable way to fit the e-locker third into the not TRD tacoma housing (8.25"). While it is relatively easy to swap in the third into the older 8" housing. It would be best off to either wait for a TRD if you have to have the e-locker or swap the entire rear end over or go ARB...