Adding a rear locking differential 3rd gen Sr5?

Im looking into adding a ARB rear locking diff to my 2017 Tacoma sr5 v6 2wd. Is it something where I can just buy parts,compressor and wires and have installed at a shop? Or do I need to swap my axel or other modifications? I’m having trouble finding answer’s online any suggestions would be much appreciated.

 

I have a Detroit Truetrac lsd in my 22 sr5 2wd v6. You don’t need to swap axles. You were correct with your first explanation. What are you planning on using your truck for? Arb air lockers are expensive, if your truck is just a daily id recommend either a Truetrac limited slip like I have, or maybe an Eaton e-locker. If you want the arb, or any of the options I mentioned, talk to east coast gear supply they’re very helpful with finding the correct parts for your specific truck. And definitely take it to a shop to have the work done messing with differentials is out of bounds for most people like us, any 4x4 shop will do it it’ll just cost you a lot for labor especially if you go with arb

 

An ARB can be installed in your rear axle. Just need a competent shop that does that kind of work to do it.

 

I plan to take it off-road so I’d like it to be as capable as possible. Thanks for the info

 

How much off road? Is this worth it on a 2WD without a low range transfer case. A good limited slip or a locking diff and help but they're not really a substitute for 4WD.

 

Well isn’t adding a locking differential pretty much the same as having a TRD version of my truck? Guess I’m missing something here. I do ride trails with my friend who has a jeep 4x4 and from what I heard adding a elocker would be the next best thing to do. I got the truck about $2000 cheaper then I was expecting to pay so I figured upgrading to help on moderate trail riding wouldn’t hurt my bank too much. But again I could be completely wrong.

 

Of course first things first I’m waiting to wear through these basic tires and get a set of ko2

 

Rear locker on a 2wd truck is nothing like a TRD Off-road truck. You don't have 4x4 and no low range transfer case. ARB is going to cost significantly more than $2,000 with parts and labor.

 

I meant to say TRD 2wd. And I know it’s not the same as having a 4x4 the point is if I were to add a locker what what be the best route. Maybe a different setup than ARB? Like @StreetSr5 said Eaton elocker

 

I'd just do the Detroit TrueTrac. It will make your truck more capable in certain situations but is no substitute for 4WD. The old 2WD TRD models had a mechanical LSD.

Find a shop that will do the work before buying parts -- some places won't do the work unless you buy the parts through them.

 

Just get the ARB and be happy with your truck. You won't be rock crawling, but with good driving, decent tires, and a locker, you will go more places than most people who have a 4x4 truck. Personally, I'd avoid the lsd options and go selectable. I hate my factory lsd as it's worthless for crawling and pretty much only serves to make my tires chirp while turning on the road. I've heard aftermarket ones are better, but I'd still rather have a selectable one.

 

Go ARB. LSD’s are good but they are not as reliable for traction as a locker. You’re already at a disadvantage being 2WD, might as well give yourself all the traction you can for off-road use and go full locker. ARB is stronger than an E-Locker. Yes you have to have an air system installed as well but that also gives you the ability to be able to air down on trails and air yourself back up. Are you mechanically inclined at all?

 

Thank you for the advice! Yes I am mechanically inclined.

 

If you feel like you could handle it, removing the diff pumpkin is very strait forward on these trucks. You could pull yours and send it to ECGS or order a replacement with an ARB locker installed and swap yours out as a core. Probably the most cost effective option. They can also re-gear if you’re considering larger tires at some point. Then you would just have to install the compressor and run the airline to the rear pumpkin. I used ECGS when I did my re-gear and had them add the ARB in the front diff. Took about 10 hours for me to swap both front and rear diffs, install the compressor, run the front air line and run new breathers for front and rear diffs. I do wrench everyday as a profession so that definitely helps as far as proficiency.

 

Wow thank you. I wish I had another vehicle so I could leave my truck pulled apart for the time it takes to send in the pumpkin. I may have to just reach out to a shop that can do it and setup the air compressor myself. Or what is a better way to go about it? I can still drive the truck without the compressor setup immediately correct? Temporarily of course

 

You would have no way of verifying that the ARB locker is working properly without a compressor and switch setup at the time of installation. Why not go for the Eaton e-locker? Much simpler setup and no need for an expensive compressor setup.

 

Good point

 

I was once in your position long ago. The more trails I hit, the more I wanted to do harder ones. That’s when I realized I needed a 4x4.

 

Im just working with what I got. My truck is also my daily driver so building a rock crawler isn’t the goal.

 

So again, look into the TrueTrac. It's a great option that automatically engages when needed and doesn't require air or electrical activation that can fail. You're basically just getting some extra help in 2 situations: 1) Where a wheel is off the ground, like a trail with some deep ruts, and 2) where traction is limited due to loose gravel, mud, or wet surfaces. Spending a lot more money for an ARB and air system to drive it seems a bit silly for a 2WD long bed.