Lockers (Pro's and Con's of each type)

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Not sure where to put this so move it if you see fit.

Every couple months I try my 4lo and e-locker to make sure they work. I don't wheel as hard as you guys so never had to use my locker while out on the trail. Anyways, tried to get the locker to engage today and it would not go. I could hear a noise when I hit the button near the locker but the light would continue the blink. I even tried moving the wheels back and forth and inching forward. All the connections look good and you can tell it gets the signal and sounds like it engages but no luck with the blinking light.
I know next to nothing about lockers so looking for ideas to where to start. I don't use it often but since I have it I would like it to work if and when needed.
You might have to steer one way or the other to get the rear axle splines to line up for the locker to engage, when I had an OEM axle it sometimes took a bit before it would engage.
 

4runner DOA

Hold my beer
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Not sure where to put this so move it if you see fit.

Every couple months I try my 4lo and e-locker to make sure they work. I don't wheel as hard as you guys so never had to use my locker while out on the trail. Anyways, tried to get the locker to engage today and it would not go. I could hear a noise when I hit the button near the locker but the light would continue the blink. I even tried moving the wheels back and forth and inching forward. All the connections look good and you can tell it gets the signal and sounds like it engages but no luck with the blinking light.
I know next to nothing about lockers so looking for ideas to where to start. I don't use it often but since I have it I would like it to work if and when needed.

You can pop the solenoid off and try moving it with a screwdriver on jackstands. Sounds like it's just not quite engaging so the light continues to blink. Go find some dirt, click it on, and drive for a bit. My tacoma doesn't always line up right away either.
 

theesotericone

Build It Beat It Break It. Repeat
Fredo Baggins
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On that note, mine seems to be working again. Replaced the seal housing and copper line, flushed all the gear oil out of my compressor line, popped it back in and she's good. Holds air and locks.
]

Holy shit. It's a Christmas in June miracle. Now check your diff breather and make sure it's clear.
 

4runner DOA

Hold my beer
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]

Holy shit. It's a Christmas in June miracle. Now check your diff breather and make sure it's clear.

Yep I'll check it when I get back under there to fill it up. I wanna say last time I checked it was fine, but that might have been the old housing.
 

Dukestaco

Stirring the pot 24/7
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Not sure where to put this so move it if you see fit.

Every couple months I try my 4lo and e-locker to make sure they work. I don't wheel as hard as you guys so never had to use my locker while out on the trail. Anyways, tried to get the locker to engage today and it would not go. I could hear a noise when I hit the button near the locker but the light would continue the blink. I even tried moving the wheels back and forth and inching forward. All the connections look good and you can tell it gets the signal and sounds like it engages but no luck with the blinking light.
I know next to nothing about lockers so looking for ideas to where to start. I don't use it often but since I have it I would like it to work if and when needed.
Keep doing it. Hopefully it works. My sons taco wont go into 4lo. So we are doing the fj t case swap soon.
 

azmtnbiker45

Beer, the nectar of life
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Thanks for the suggestions! It usually would lock once I started moving. I will find some more dirt tomorrow and just mess with it. Gives me an excuse to hit a trail.
 

AssBurns

will wheel for beer
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I’d try doing a couple U-turns in each direction while still going slow enough for it to engage. If that doesn’t work pull the actuator and see if there is anything giving it issues. Chances are you just didn’t get the splines to lock up. Hopefully that’s all it is.
 

4runner DOA

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Sounds like FJ’s are superior to 4th gens?

FJ doesnt have the center diff, which is fun, but they have the manual transfer case vs electronic. Lot less space, terrible blind spots, no back seat. I'd still take a 4th gen over an fj. Wheel base is pretty close I believe.
 

Itaro

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FJ doesnt have the center diff, which is fun, but they have the manual transfer case vs electronic. Lot less space, terrible blind spots, no back seat. I'd still take a 4th gen over an fj. Wheel base is pretty close I believe.
105.9” vs 109.8”
 

James C

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I thought the rear axles were the same? Are we talking 8" or 8.2"?

Curious because I'm keeping an eye out for a used 8.2, maybe e-locker haven't decided
 

4runner DOA

Hold my beer
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I thought the rear axles were the same? Are we talking 8" or 8.2"?

Curious because I'm keeping an eye out for a used 8.2, maybe e-locker haven't decided

4th gens were all 8". I believe the FJ were all 8" too.
 
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