Retrofit an '05 Tacoma with eLocker ?

[kirkmoon]

Here's my problem:

I have a very nice '05 Tacoma Extended Cab 4WD. When I got it I didn't know as much about 4WD vehicles as I do now and I got the TRD Sport model instead of the TRD Off Road model. Stiffer suspension. Goofy non-functional hood scoop. Color coordinated trim. Factory lifted. Limited slip rear diff. No A-TRAC. None of the other electronic off road stuff.

I love this truck and it is in great shape, so I am not really interested in getting rid of it.

But I want to have a locking rear diff and A-TRAC so I can use this truck as a real off road explorer.

I looked at new Tacomas and they are more expensive than I prefer (over $30K with the TRD Off Road package and extended cab), plus they redesigned the rear cab interior and eliminated the shelf in the back, so there would be no place for my dog to lie down in the back part of the cab as there is in the earlier design. Stupid change if you ask me. But I digress.

I looked at used Tacomas with the TRD Off-Road package and I found a local one with low mileage that would probably cost me around $7K to swap into.

So now I am doing the math and trying to decide if it would make more sense to just retrofit my truck with the e-Locker and other stuff. I know that this isn't cheap or easy. I understand that I would probably have to replace the entire rear axle assembly and get a new ECU that has all of the off road stuff programmed in to it.

But I doubt this would cost me $7K.

Has anyone done this? Do you think it would make sense, or do you think I should just sell my truck and get a similar one with the TRD Off-Road package and call it a day.

BTW, I am aware that I could install and ARB Air Locker on my truck but I am kind of reluctant to do it. But maybe that makes the most sense of all. Still wouldn't have A-TRAC or hill descent or any of the other brake related off road stuff. Not sure if that is a big deal or not.

Thanks in advance. Your wisdom is appreciated.

 

[Rexsname]

If I remember correctly......You would be able to swap the rear end out and purchase a cable actuator to lock and unlock the diffferential.


OR

ARB makes a real nice locker for waaaaay less that $7k


REX

 

[Overland Hadley]

ARB makes a real nice locker for waaaaay less that $7k

x2

My 2007 TRD Off Road does not have A-Trac or any of the other stuff you mentioned.

 

[kirkmoon]

x2

My 2007 TRD Off Road does not have A-Trac or any of the other stuff you mentioned.

Interesting. The new ones ('09) have all of the same stuff that the FJ Cruiser has. I assumed that all of the post-'05 4WD Off Roads did too. Sounds like that isn't the case.

Looking like I should just forget about the factory e-locker and go for the ARB.

Thanks for the help.

 

[RHINO]

for ARB vs factory the new prices favor the ARB, unless you found the e-locker used but note that you need to buy a long spline axle shaft also. its an easy swap really but the ARB is cheaper and just as reliable and gives you air to boot.

 

[nater]

I agree with Rhino... Going for the ARB gives you the same final effect as the factory elocker, with less money invested. It also gives you onboard air, and the ease of adding a front ARB if you should ever want. I was torn, but have decided when its time to lock the rear of my 4runner, arb it is...

 

[HMR]

kirkmoon- Welcome to Expo!

I vote for the ARB: good reputation plus cheaper and less of a hassle to install.

Just curious, how much wheeling have you actually done with your truck? I also have an '05 Access Cab Sport and it's a very capable rig in "near stock" form. The biggest limitation has always been me, the driver, not the limited-slip diff. I've spent the past few years learning from more experienced drivers and practicing in different types of terrain. It's funny, my limited-slip diff now easily completes trails that I previously couldn't finish and considered "locker only". I have much more to learn but I'm continually impressed with the Sport's capabilities.

Full disclosure: I have an ARB locker & compressor sitting in my garage waiting to be installed.

 

[tacomadave]

When I bought my base model '07 Tacoma I did it specifically NOT to have any of the "electrowizardry" like atrac and hill descent.

$7000 is a ton of cash, you could do skidplates, sliders, front bumper, OME shocks, coils, and leafsprings and probably a ARB locker with cash to spare....

Slee, Budbuilt, ARB, Shrockworks, Demello, Allpro, etc.

Dave

 

[Jacket]

Another vote for swapping in an ARB 3rd - it's more cost effective and has all the benefits of the OEM locker.

 

[Overland Hadley]

Interesting. The new ones ('09) have all of the same stuff that the FJ Cruiser has. I assumed that all of the post-'05 4WD Off Roads did too. Sounds like that isn't the case.

All that came along in 08 or 09.

 

[ryguy]

You'd be happier with the air locker, my 2c

 

[kirkmoon]

Thanks for all of the very helpful information and for the welcome. I have done a fair amount of off road exploration on motorcycles over the years but I busted up my knee a while back and am moving towards 4WD as a way of continuing to explore without destroying my body. : )

Re the question of "how much" offroading I have done with my truck as is, the answer is relatively little. Regular graded dirt roads but no attempts at serious mud or rock gardens or the like. I would like to use the truck as an exploring tool rather than as a heavy duty rock crawler, but I want to make sure that I have the best chance of getting out of a sticky situation if/when I encounter it.

Thanks for the help.

 

[peekay]

the atrac and hill descent control has been worthless in my experience. I would pay someone good money to take that junk off my truck.

The being said, the locker is very useful in certain situations. But unless you like to rockcrawl or go up very nasty hills, the locker is not necessary.

I would advise you to not worry about the locker until you actually face a situation needing it. Cross that bridge when you get to it. Otherwise, $7,000, or even $1000 for the ARB, is a lot to spend for a problem that doesn't even yet exist.

 

[dustboy]

I'd agree with peekay on this, lockers are helpful but rarely necessary outside of really gnarly situations. I'd be surprised if an identical locked Tacoma could go anywhere your LSD Tacoma couldn't.

 

[Applejack]

My truck has all Atrac, DAC and the locker. I use the locker the most but to say that the Atrac and DAC are worthless.......I wouldn't say that. I've been in situations where the locker was of no help and it was Atrac the saved the day. It takes a little learning to make it work for you but, it does work. If you ever do any really steep, slick, snowy or muddy descents, the DAC comes in very handy. If that is not you, save your dough buy a winch bumper and a winch, good tires and a portable air compressor.