Manual e-locker conversion??

Does anyone know anything about the manual e-lockers? Are they any good? Dependable for Daily driving? I don't want to always be locked, but it would be nice to use the locker manually in 2High.

 

Not sure what you mean by manual, if you have a 4x4 you can do the grey wire mod and use the locker any time you want (although you should still stop to lock or unlock it) having the locker engaged in 2wd can definitely be fun!

 

What's the grey wire mode? Enlighten me.
I saw a manual lever to replace the electric e locker online. Almost like an e-brake lever that engages the locker. Is this a real thing or was I just dreaming?

 

Those are real, but very old, and not all that popular for a reason. iirc, those are basically a bandaid fix for if your e-locker actuator fails. It's cheaper than getting a hole new TRD locker actuator, or going with an aftermarket ARB or something.

If your actuator works, do the grey wire mod, which basically tricks the computer into thinking it's always in 4lo, so it allows the locker to engage any time (just like the TRD pre-runners).

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/grey-wire-mod.4405/

I've never felt the need to do the grey wire mod, though. The only real reason I can see to wanting a locked 2wd (when you have 4wd) is to do epic donuts. Don't get me wrong, those are fun, but an open diff 4wd still has more traction than a locked 2wd.

 

I bought the chilkat manual conversion kit but haven't installed it yet. http://www.chilkatdesigns.com/Differential.html

What others are talking about, is the crappy Downey conversion kit which hasn't been made in years.

 

Low Range used to sell one. I think it was pretty expensive. Why would you want it instead of a working e-locker?

 

Yeah I'd just do the grey wire mod and be done with it, drift mode!

 

The only reason I thought manual locker would be better is it won't fail. Unless something mechanical fails. Grey wire mode sounds like a good option. I just really like to have fun and want the option of a locked 2wd when I want it. If people aren't using the manual lockers they must not be that good? I can't always be locked as supercharger+5 speed+ wet asphalt = no traction. Thank you guys for the input keep it coming

 

Our e-lockers don’t really have a tendency to fail. They are pretty bomb proof. I’m sure it happens, but it’s not like the frame rust our trucks are known for, where people are surprised to get one without rust, lol...

Manual actuators can fail, too. Cables can get seized, can rust and snap, etc...

Plus, they might claim to be “bolt on”, but you still need to find a place to mount that giant handle. The only place I've seen them mounted (not that I’ve spent a ton of time looking) is bolted to the outside of the shift console. Not exactly eye catching, imo...

Sounds like the grey wire mod is more what you’re looking for. Simple, clean, free. Just read up on it, iirc, it makes it so the 4wd light is always on, or something like that.

 

Fuck this website is better then watching porn. You guys are so informative. Thanks for all the great input.

 

That’s the running joke with my wife. If she happened to come home early “catch me” on the computer, it’s usually this forum.

 

Skys manufacturing also makes one, if you venture out at all I would get a locker gaurd. It will protect those exposed main components from getting smashed. They are cheap and 10 min install.

As far as 2wd, hi, low/ locked or unlocked has its uses. Twisting in tight trees on trails I keep it locked and use hi or low. That way my double cab can make tighter turns.

 

Idk about second gens, but it didn't make any lights light up on my 2000

 

I stepped away from the computer do get something, and I hear my wife yell "You better get that shit off the computer!" My first thought was, "Did I leave porn up?" As I walked to the computer, she says "Quit looking at that shit!" I had been looking at tires.

 

The handle i got for mine is a small knob... i told him the big handle is not for a stock-ish truck and he had other options.

 

Are you still using the cable for the locker? Debating on getting and want to see how they hold up to abuse and serious off-roading.

 

i have a buddy that has a eracer kit on his old toyota pickup with a toyota elocker diff. its held up to some pretty difficult shit for 3 years now.
he made a fancy little foot pedal from an ebrake pedal to actuate it too. pretty slick setup. next time i see it i'll try and get pictures.

 

LOL. FALSE!!! I used to use my e-lockers all the time....up until the time at the Red Clay Rally..and it would not come unlocked. So here we are on youtube...and HERE....seeing how to manually unlock a rear dif. We figured it out...and manually unlocked it with a screw driver after jacking up the rear end. I also had another buddy with an FJ where his wouldn't unlock either. I know just enough to get into trouble, and we can't figure it out on why it's now NOT engaging or disengaging. I bought another one. Well it was used from a 15 junkyard with 20k miles. Very new. Put that on..and nothing. For some reason it's not getting power. Took it to a speciality shop to diagnose, $267 later nothing....My fault on that....but anyway...this manual cable conversion is the answer. You know it's going to work. I love my Toyotas and have always owned them...but in all of mine these have been quirky. When I go off-road, which I do a lot, I want it to work...and not be hesitant. Until you've jacked up your truck in the hills of Kentucky on mud and rocks trying to fix it, you don't understand how much of a PITA this was.

I can do some things to my truck...lift, other mods, etc...but when it comes to diagnosing this issue it's over my head. this speciality shop said they need wiring schematics, etc...and told me to contact a dealership to see how much their diagnostic fee would be.

 

Do you have a pic?

 

I can get one but i'm super busy at the moment... PM me tonight to remind me.