Is It Hard To Install A Diff Lock On My 4x2? - Tacoma World

Log in or Sign up

Tacoma World Home Forums > Tacoma Discussion > 1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004) >

1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

   You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account. As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
   • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
   • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
   • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
   • Access all special features of the site
   Quick Links: Trailer hitches Trying to Wire Flat Trailer to back left tail light Best brand of brakes for Tundra brake upgrade Seat Cover and Carpet Questions RAM Mount on the Dash LB Joints by Toyota, from Toyota

Is it hard to install a diff lock on my 4x2?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by CarFactsyt, Jan 31, 2021.

Post Reply

1. Jan 31, 2021 at 1:54 PM #1

   #1 CarFactsyt [OP] Member

   Joined: Jan 30, 2021 Member: #354521 Messages: 6 Gender: Male First Name: Anthony Vehicle: 2003 tacoma Prerunner SR5 3.4L

   Im not sure this can be done without switching major components. Dont get me wrong i love my truck but i know a diff lock would give that extra umph. Is it worth it? Any info would be great. Please and thank you.

   CarFactsyt, Jan 31, 2021 #1
2. Jan 31, 2021 at 1:57 PM #2

   #2 Kwikvette Well-Known Member Vendor

   Joined: Feb 27, 2019 Member: #284735 Messages: 85,410 Gender: Male Fresno County 4 run, 2 don't

   CarFactsyt[OP] initial post: ↑

   Im not sure this can be done without switching major components. Dont get me wrong i love my truck but i know a diff lock would give that extra umph. Is it worth it? Any info would be great. Please and thank you.Click to expand...

   Requires replacing the entire rear axle housing, and just running a switch up front to engage/disengage the locker. That's if you're trying to get a factory setup.

   Kwikvette, Jan 31, 2021 #2 CarFactsyt[QUOTED][OP] and whatstcp like this.
3. Jan 31, 2021 at 2:12 PM #3

   #3 CarFactsyt [OP] Member

   Joined: Jan 30, 2021 Member: #354521 Messages: 6 Gender: Male First Name: Anthony Vehicle: 2003 tacoma Prerunner SR5 3.4L

   Kwikvette said: ↑

   Requires replacing the entire rear axle housing, and just running a switch up front to engage/disengage the locker. That's if you're trying to get a factory setup.Click to expand...

   Thank you

   CarFactsyt, Jan 31, 2021 #3
4. Jan 31, 2021 at 2:15 PM #4

   #4 CarFactsyt [OP] Member

   Joined: Jan 30, 2021 Member: #354521 Messages: 6 Gender: Male First Name: Anthony Vehicle: 2003 tacoma Prerunner SR5 3.4L

   whatstcp said: ↑

   since you're a first gen you can find plenty of complete rear axle assemblies with a factory diff lock. You can also get an aftermarket one installed in your current diff that can be powered by air or just power. You can also get a lunchbox locker or detroit locker that are supposed to allow normal operation on the street but will lock up when wheel slip occurs. Basically, there is more than one way to skin a cat and a lot of options with varying pros and cons and also price points. Welcome to TW and lets get to researching which option is best for youClick to expand...

   Awesome info. This is my first truck, if you cant tell.

   CarFactsyt, Jan 31, 2021 #4 whatstcp[QUOTED] likes this.
5. Jan 31, 2021 at 3:28 PM #5

   #5 Appalachia Man Well-Known Member

   Joined: Mar 25, 2019 Member: #287854 Messages: 218 Vehicle: 03 Prerunner X-cab 2.7L Detroit Truetrac 2" lift OME 880's & Dakar's

   good advice from @Kwikvette and @whatstcp. i narrowed it down between tacoma e-locker or detroit truetrac. looked for awhile try'n to find a tacoma e-locker rear... but was either too late, rag'd out or to much $. finally went with the detroit truetrac. its basically a limited slip with helical gears. low maintenance, 80w-90 diff oil and great street manners. if you're looking for something for towing, hauling or light off-road its great! cost depends on your skill. i did 90% of the work myself, had a mechanic friend press the bearings and set backlash. got mine from summit on sale, total for everything was ~$575. the best upgrade for a 4x2! this is the model i got in my truck https://www.justdifferentials.com/Toyota-8-4-30-Spline-Eaton-Truetrac-p/tt913a541.htm lotta wheelers swear by them... rock crawlers dont care too much about em, they prefer full locked. eaton detriot truetrac, do some research... check it out!

   Appalachia Man, Jan 31, 2021 #5 CarFactsyt[OP] likes this.
6. Jan 31, 2021 at 3:44 PM #6

   #6 Ritchie Well-Known Member

   Joined: Dec 24, 2012 Member: #93649 Messages: 1,930 Gender: Male San Diego (North County) Vehicle: RC Step side Pre-runner 2.7 w/auto, 4WU 3 link, F & R Diamonds, ARB's F/R w/ Yukon 5.29's, Inchworm 4.7 Lefty, Deavers, ARB OBA, Schrockworks up front.

   Look at Marlin Crawler. Many Toyota parts available. Good luck.

   Ritchie, Jan 31, 2021 #6 CarFactsyt[OP] likes this.
7. Feb 1, 2021 at 1:44 PM #7

   #7 CarFactsyt [OP] Member

   Joined: Jan 30, 2021 Member: #354521 Messages: 6 Gender: Male First Name: Anthony Vehicle: 2003 tacoma Prerunner SR5 3.4L

   Appalachia Man said: ↑

   good advice from @Kwikvette and @whatstcp. i narrowed it down between tacoma e-locker or detroit truetrac. looked for awhile try'n to find a tacoma e-locker rear... but was either too late, rag'd out or to much $. finally went with the detroit truetrac. its basically a limited slip with helical gears. low maintenance, 80w-90 diff oil and great street manners. if you're looking for something for towing, hauling or light off-road its great! cost depends on your skill. i did 90% of the work myself, had a mechanic friend press the bearings and set backlash. got mine from summit on sale, total for everything was ~$575. the best upgrade for a 4x2! this is the model i got in my truck https://www.justdifferentials.com/Toyota-8-4-30-Spline-Eaton-Truetrac-p/tt913a541.htm lotta wheelers swear by them... rock crawlers dont care too much about em, they prefer full locked. eaton detriot truetrac, do some research... check it out!Click to expand...

   That's exactly what i am looking for, awesome. Im not looking to beat the truck up rock crawling but if need be make it through some trails and hauling. Great info thank you, Sir.

   CarFactsyt, Feb 1, 2021 #7
8. Feb 1, 2021 at 2:06 PM #8

   #8 CarFactsyt [OP] Member

   Joined: Jan 30, 2021 Member: #354521 Messages: 6 Gender: Male First Name: Anthony Vehicle: 2003 tacoma Prerunner SR5 3.4L

   Appalachia Man said: ↑

   good advice from @Kwikvette and @whatstcp. i narrowed it down between tacoma e-locker or detroit truetrac. looked for awhile try'n to find a tacoma e-locker rear... but was either too late, rag'd out or to much $. finally went with the detroit truetrac. its basically a limited slip with helical gears. low maintenance, 80w-90 diff oil and great street manners. if you're looking for something for towing, hauling or light off-road its great! cost depends on your skill. i did 90% of the work myself, had a mechanic friend press the bearings and set backlash. got mine from summit on sale, total for everything was ~$575. the best upgrade for a 4x2! this is the model i got in my truck https://www.justdifferentials.com/Toyota-8-4-30-Spline-Eaton-Truetrac-p/tt913a541.htm lotta wheelers swear by them... rock crawlers dont care too much about em, they prefer full locked. eaton detriot truetrac, do some research... check it out!Click to expand...

   Are you running stick or auto?

   CarFactsyt, Feb 1, 2021 #8
9. Feb 1, 2021 at 5:45 PM #9

   #9 Appalachia Man Well-Known Member

   Joined: Mar 25, 2019 Member: #287854 Messages: 218 Vehicle: 03 Prerunner X-cab 2.7L Detroit Truetrac 2" lift OME 880's & Dakar's

   CarFactsyt[OP] said: ↑

   Are you running stick or auto?Click to expand...

   auto. here is my thread, https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-tacoma-eaton-detroit-truetrac-lsd-install.601021/ this will give you a detail list of parts and helpful websites. in addition to the truetrac, also added old man emu coils, shocks , dakar leafs and cooper AT3. im very pleased with the performance, handling and off road capabilities of this truck. yeah im not gonna go run the rubicon trail in this rig (got jk for that) but at least i can conquer wet grass now

   Last edited: Feb 1, 2021 Appalachia Man, Feb 1, 2021 #9 CarFactsyt[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
10. Feb 1, 2021 at 6:51 PM #10

    #10 jbrandt Made you look

    Joined: Feb 12, 2011 Member: #51038 Messages: 17,612 Gender: Male First Name: Justin El Dorado, CA (NOT El Dorado Hills) Vehicle: '04 TRD Tacoma 4x4 DC Kings, J59's Total Chaos UCAs Custom skids Sticker mod

    Honestly, I’m not sure how “easy” it is to be able to find a complete rear axle housing from a 1st gen trd tacoma. That would certainly be the “easiest” way to DIY, since it’s just bolting up the new axle housing and figuring out some switches, but that honestly seems pretty unlikely to just walk in a shop and buy a complete axle for a 20 year old truck. Imo, I’d steer you more towards a limited slip, rather than a locker, and just bite the bullet and have a shop do it. Lockers are great for extreme traction off road, but let’s be honest, its a prerunner. You’d get more traction with an open diff 4x4 than a locked 2wd... LSDs dont need wiring or plumbing for air lines, they just sit there and do their thing. Best imo for street use or mild offroading. I do almost all my own work, and installing differ, and getting proper alignment on the pinion gears is critical, and not something I’d be confident to do myself.

    jbrandt, Feb 1, 2021 #10 CarFactsyt[OP] likes this.

Post Reply Show Ignored Content

Products Discussed in Entire Site Forum: 1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)

All Categories 01ff5891-c3c1-4684-8262-dd96819cbded_201 (13) 2e716169-928e-458a-973b-0dbb7221c006_7201 (43) 6953e731-436b-4593-bcb1-d23fac5f3545_2601 (120) 8346234c-3736-4001-b2a5-9fd229148daa_2501 (154) Air Filters (21) Antitheft Remote Starters (8) Auto Essentials (33) Automobile Chassis Body & Suspension Lift Kits (14) Automobile Insulation (14) b21c23e8-ac46-41ab-bfed-a824ad1360c0_5101 (8) b21c23e8-ac46-41ab-bfed-a824ad1360c0_6001 (7) Backup Cameras (15) Battery Chargers (11) Battery Terminals & Ends (25) Blower Motors (2) Body Parts (9) Brake Kits (11) Brake Pads (9) Car Audio & Video Input Adapters (4) Car Audio & Video Wiring Harnesses (5) Car Audio Receivers (14) Car Coaxial Speakers (7) Car Component Subwoofers (10) Cargo Racks (7) Car On-Dash Mounted Cameras (6) Car Tweeters (2) cc8b81c2-6916-4800-975c-a54eacb3a648_773202 (22) Cell Phone Automobile Cradles (21) Cell Phone Battery Chargers (14) Center Consoles (2) Citi Free Shipping Promotion (13) Clips (42) Code Readers & Scan Tools (42) Control Arms (9) Differential Assembly Kits (7) Drain Plug Gaskets (9) Driving, Fog & Spot Light Assemblies (5) Electrical Wiring Harnesses (25) Excluded S&O CML (7) Fixed-mount CB Radios (6) Floor Mats (9) Fuel Additives (2) Fuel System Cleaners (5) Gear Oils (14) Grilles (6) Headlight Assemblies (35) Headlight Bulbs (20) Hunting & Fishing Promotion (19) Jump starters & battery chargers (13) Keychains (6) Leaf Spring Leaf Springs (5) Light Bars (37) Lighting Products (21) Limited Time Deals (2) Metra Dynamic Coop (3) MOOG Steering & Suspension - 10% off (24) Motor Oils (6) Oil Drains (3) Oil Filters (19) Oil Filter Wrenches (4) Oxygen Sensors (18) Parts (13) Passenger Car Wheels (10) Performance Spark Plugs (7) Polyvinyl Acetate Adhesives (1) Popular With Pros (13) Portable FRS Two-Way Radios (10) Powersports Breather Filters (1) Pushbutton Switches (9) Radio Antennas (9) Ram Air Kit (4) Running Boards (1) Shocks (33) Spark Plugs (21) Spend $100 or more, get $25 off select Sports & Outdoors (22) Spray Paint (29) Spring Sportsman | Amazon.com (15) Step Rails (1) Summer Savings Event (16) Summer Savings Event 2019 (36) Suspension Ball Joints (18) Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensors (3) Tire Repair Tools (18) Tires (25) Towing Hitch Wiring (9) Towing Winches (16) Toyota Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts (86) Truck Parts & Accessories (82) Truck Season - Truck Hero (8) Truck Tonneau Covers (5) Universal Joints (9) V4 Customers Keep It - 30% (90) V4 Customers Keep It - 50% (60) V4 Customers Keep It - 70% (7) Weather Stripping (25) Wheel & Tire Air Compressors & Inflators (16) Wheel & Tire Lug Nuts (14) Wheel Seals (4) Winter Driving (4) Wiper Switches (1) Relevance Price: Low to High Price: High to Low Mobil 1 104361 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube - 1 Quart (Pack of 2) $27.50 True Mods H6054 H4 LED Headlight Wiring Harness [Negative Switched Conversion] [Fused] Universal H4 Head Light Relay Harness Kit for 9003 H6024 5x7 7x6 4x6 Subaru Toyota Jeep Sealed Beam Headlamp $22.99 Switch Pros SP-9100 8-Switch Panel Power System With Concealed Mounting Hardware $659.00 Midland® - MXT275 MicroMobile GMRS Radio - 15 watts Two-Way Radio with Integrated Control Microphone - Overland Caravanning Tractors - Detachable External Magnetic Mount Antenna - 8 Repeater Channels $164.99 NOCO Boost GB40: 1000A UltraSafe Jump Starter – 12V Lithium Battery Booster Pack, Portable Jump Box, Power Bank & Jumper Cables - for 6.0L Gas and 3.0L Diesel Engines $99.95 Air Intake Snorkel Kit Fit For 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma With 4L Right Petrol intake air snorkel kit high performance system compatible kit Replacement black Rotational Molding (2005-2015) $52.50 Polymaker 3D Printing Filament Dryer and Storage Box - PolyDryer and PolyDryer Box for Filament Drying and Sealing with Heat Control, Compatible with PA Nylon, PLA, PVB, PETG, ABS, TPU 1.75mm 2.85mm $63.99 Dayco Tensioner - 89241 $30.48 GMBooskr Fuel injector 23250-75040 Compatible with 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Toyota Tacoma 2.4L I4 (Set of 4) $59.19 Toyota Genuine Parts - Antifreeze/Coolant (00272-1LLAC) $45.70 EVIL ENERGY 5/32 1/4 5/16 3/8 Silicone Vacuum Tubing Hose Line Kit 10FT 4PCS 130PSI Max Pressure Black (4mm 6mm 8mm 10mm) $46.99 EASYGUARD EC003N-V-1 PKE Passive Keyless Entry Car Burglar Alarm Security Push Start Button Remote Start Starter DC12V $64.98 Protopasta Copper Filled PLA 3D Printer Filament | ProtoPlant Metal-Filled PLA Plastic Printer Filament with 60% Copper | Polish and Patina Friendly Metal Composite Filament | 500g Metallic Spool $49.99 ARES 18003-43mm Master Cylinder Adapter - for Use with Toyota and Lexus Master Cylinders - Use with Brake Fluid Bleeders $49.92 A-Premium Door Lock Latch Actuator Compatible with Toyota Tacoma 1998-2004, Front Left Driver Side Door Lock Actuator for 6904004010 $37.99 Block Tester BT-500 Head Gasket Combustion Leak Test Kit - Made in USA $37.99 TEMCo 2 Gauge AWG 15 Ft Black + 15 Ft Red Flexible Pure Copper Made in USA Welding Cable Battery Wire - Heavy Duty Solar, Inverter, Car, RV, Truck $85.86 Denso Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor - 234-9003 (Fits Select Years of Toyota: 4Runner/Tacoma/Tundra Vehicles) $167.78 Denso 221-3138 Radiator $174.08 Bilstein 24-186728 5100 Series Rear Shock fits 2005 2023 Tacoma 4WD with 0-1" Lift - Monotube Design, Fade Free Performance, Optimal Performance $110.00 Partsam Eagle Eye Headlights H6054 LED 7x6 5x7, Hi/Low Sealed Beam with Start & End Animation, Sequential Turn Signal, Anti-Glare, DRL, Silver, DOT Approved $129.99 AUTO-VOX V5PRO 1080P 9.35'' OEM Rear View Mirror Camera, Full Laminated Ultrathin Touch Screen Mirror Dash Cam Front and Rear with No Glare, Super Night Vision Car Backup Camera Mirror $219.99 Toyota 90999-00185 Blank Key $11.43 Toyota Key Blank - 90999-00186 $9.94 HELLA H4P50 +50 Performance Bulb, 12V, 60/55W $8.58 BFXM Car Mechanic Stethoscope, Automotive Stethoscope Engine Diagnostic Tool, Automotive Tools Universal for Car Truck SUV Motorcycle RV $7.39 Audak 2Pcs H4 9003 HB2 Heavy Duty Ceramic Wiring Harness Sockets Male & Female Connector for Headlights or Fog Lights $8.99 RLB-HILON Cup Holder Insert Rubber Compatible with Toyota Tacoma 2001 2002 2003 2004 Year $8.99 LASFIT 31mm LED bulb Festoon 30MM DE3175 DE3021 6428 DE3022 Error Free 400LM High Bright White for Dome Map Door Interior Door Trunk Lights, Marine LED BULB Navigation Boat Anchor Lights(2pcs) $14.49 Toyota Genuine Oil Seal for Differential Side Gear Shaft $13.91 Toyota Genuine Parts - Seal, Type T Oil (90311-47027) $13.99 Toyota Oil Seal - 90311-41012 $14.98 FANAUE Aluminum Mounting Arm - Dual 20mm Socket Ends for All Industry Standard Ball Joints, Adapters, and Mounts (DA-150M) $16.98 Tenhulzen Automotive 2-Wheel Alignment Tool - All-in-one (Camber/Caster/Toe Plates) - Made in USA $229.99 HWSTAR Pair 180W 1000% Bright H6054 5x7 7x6 Led Headlights Compatible with Jeep Cherokee XJ Wrangler YJ DOT Anti-glare DRL Turn Signal Hi/Low Sealed Beam Ford Chevy GMC Toyota Nissan Dodge etc Black $89.99 Ampper Military Spec Battery Terminal Top Post Kit with Cover, 4 Copper Lugs and Heatshrink for Marine Car Boat RV Vehicles and More (Kit) $16.98 Toyota/ exxon mobil Case of 6 Quarts Full Synthetic TGMO SN 0W-20 Oil $51.25 Genuine Toyota - Oil Drain Plug Gaskets (QTY10) $14.74 Energy Suspension- 9.4101G UNIVERSAL MOUNT $33.99 Supreme Suspensions - 1.5"-2" Rear Add-A-Leaf Lift Kit for 1995-2023 Toyota Tacoma - 21.5" Short AAL Set with Isolator Pads and Square Bend U-Bolts $189.89 TrendsAuto 5100 Series Set of Front & Rear Shocks fits 1996-2004 Tacoma with 1-1.5" Lift | TrendsAuto Decal | 24-249928 33-247724 33-247717 $527.80 ALEOED M12x1.25 mm Self-Locking Nylon Insert Hex Lock Nuts, Pack of 6 $12.99 Username or email address: Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in Tacoma World Home Forums > Tacoma Discussion > 1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004) >