99 Tacoma Rear Locker Advice Needed

[BlueFly]

"First there is a mountain, then there is no mountain, then there is."

OK, I've been humming this tune since Sunday and the Greasy Spoon run.

Here's the deal. I bought my 99 Tacoma a few years ago with the V6 engine and TRD stickers. No locker switch on the dash- I figured it must have been an option that year that this truck didn't have.

This past Sunday I had the great pleasure of meeting Bostonmangler, who takes a look at my rear diff and proclaims that yes indeed, the truck has a locker, pointing at a mess of 'stuff' hanging off of it. Cool! He and Scott speculate that at some point the original dash got trashed and replaced without the locker switch. I'm advised to take the truck to a local 4wd shop to have them look it over and get it hooked up. I grin all the way home. Yahoo! I've got a rear locker. :wings:

Monday am and the 4wd shop says take it to the dealer, they know the specs.

Tuesday am the service rep at the dealer looks under the truck and tells me there is no locker. I insist. He disappears to check the vin and comes back saying he is 100% sure there's no locker. Those are brake lines coming off the rear diff. My story about the dash replacement is pretty farfetched. Do I want the 27 point 'free' inspection while I'm there?

Disgusted, I drive over to my mechanic. He takes a look and says, well, yeah you've got a locker. Come back Thursday and we'll fix you up.

This morning he tells me there's no switch because it engages automatically when it senses that it's needed. Doubtful, I ask him for more details and he explains that he called his buddy in the 4wd club and that's what his buddy said.

Do I go back to the dealer and take my free 27 point inspection to get by the service rep to a real mechanic? And refrain from :shakin: at the service rep on my way out?

Or does anyone know a mechanic in the Phoenix area who'd be up to the task? (Seems my clutch is going too- perhaps a new mechanic might be a good idea before I take care of that?)

And finally, anyone else interested in scheduling the first Expedition Portal Tacoma Mechanic's Trophy? I have a lot to learn!

[SOAZ]

I promise this will solve it. Take a pic of the front and rear of your rear axle. Post it and we'll tell you for sure if you have the locker. If you have it and no wiring there is a manual cable mod that you can do to engage and disengage it.
(or post it on Yotatech in the tacome 3rd gen 4runner section, those guys talk about lockers all day!)

[p1michaud]

Along with the pics, you could validate your thrashed dash idea as follows:

Remove the 4 screws that hold your driver side plastic trim at the bottom of the door.

Remove the driver side plastic trim pannel

Confim that you have the RR Diff Lock 4WD computer. It should look something like this:

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/minutemods/greywire_mod/gwm_04.jpg
Photo credit: 4x4wire.com

If you want better instructions than what is given above follow this link to Toyota Minute Mod: The Tacoma Grey Wire Mod (http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/minutemods/greywire_mod/).

If you have this computer, then all you would likely need is an RR Diff Lock switch from the dealer. Plug it in and play!

Cheers :beer:,
P

[njtaco]

...If you have nothing but the rear diff, no computer, etc. all is not lost. All you will need in parts (basicly) is a fuse, a DPDT on-none-on switch, and some wire to make it work. An indicator light would be a nice add-on, too.

But first, some pics!

[p1michaud]

...If you have nothing but the rear diff, no computer, etc. all is not lost. All you will need in parts (basicly) is a fuse, a DPDT on-none-on switch, and some wire to make it work. An indicator light would be a nice add-on, too.

But first, some pics!

Dick Foster over on TTORA has a nice write up for making your own locker (http://www.ttora.com/wiki/index.php/Rear_Locker) control or go directly to his write up here (http://www.norcalttora.com/~dick/Writeup%20Stuff/toyota_elock_control.pdf).

Cheers :beer:,
P

[crawler#976]

Just a thought - perhaps the dealer is right. Your vin# may show no locker. I's quite possible the rear end failed at some point and the PO choose to go the junk yard route vs getting it rebuilt..

[Scott Brady]

Donna has a locker, I have seen it with my own eyes. It is possible that she does not have the computer, but I find that to not be likely also, as the switch wires were visible behind the knock-out in the dash, but cut.

Donna, you have my number, so don't hesitate for a moment to get me on the phone with these knuckleheads.

Oh, and your rear locker is a Toyota E-Locker, which is driver selectable, not automatic.

[SOAZ]

Scott, no he doesn't have the locker. I think he should just get rid of that rear end and give it to me...... :chowtime:
..............mmkay...... shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh................................. ........

[BlueFly]

Thanks for all the helpful responses and links! To repeat, I have a lot to learn, and I’ll spend some time reading up on the websites mentioned.

Scott, you are correct- I checked behind the driver’s side trim panel and the computer is there. Here’s a pic of the wires behind the switch knockout:

You folks are giving me the confidence to think I may not need an “expert” with mysterious specs, I just need a switch and someone to tell me which wire goes where!

[Scott Brady]

HA! And look what I have waiting for you in Prescott.

Just call me tomorrow or Saturday morning and it's yours. Depending on the time, I might be able to help you install it too.

[Tucson T4R]

Isn't that interesting that the wire color codes on the Rear Diff Lock switch match the wire color codes on Donna's cut wires behind the dash. Gee, I wonder if they could possibly match up and activate the rear diff locker??? :wings:

[p1michaud]

HA! And look what I have waiting for you in Prescott.

Just call me tomorrow or Saturday morning and it's yours. Depending on the time, I might be able to help you install it too.

Ask and you shall receive!

You should be seeing one fo these lights blink at you then come in solid on your dash in the very near future...

http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/3669/1186896306047738234S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1186896306047738234nDdQra)

Best of luck with the easiest locker install in the world. :wings:

Cheers :beer:,
P

[BlueFly]

Oh what a beautiful morning!

:jump: :jump: :jump:

Scott, thanks! I'll give you a call and see if we can hook up early tomorrow am.

I'm glad that the attitude of that service rep got my blood up so much that I left, no matter how eager I was to be able to use the locker. Once I see that light on my dash I might not be able to resist paying the dealer a visit for a bit of :sport_box and :shakin: . Perhaps the next person won't have such a hard time.

You guys are great: when all else fails I have a pit crew to turn to! One with a great sense of humor... Thanks! :clapsmile

[StumpXJ]

Man thats awesome... wish someone would look under my truck and tell me there is a locker.....

Not gonna happen though.

Cool deal for sure!

~James

[kcowyo]

Congrats Donna!

A Tacoma with a FWC and a locker..... You are on your way! :chowtime:

[Scott Brady]

KC,

You should see what she can drive through without a locker.

[Boston Mangler]

EDIT: Oops, i posted before reading through the entire thread, got a habit of that! :D

Anyway, Donna, it was great meeting you guys last weekend.

For only your 2nd or 3rd time out, you are one hell of a driver! :smiley_drive:

I thought for sure that you were locked on some of those climbs! Even more impressive that you werent! :D

As the others have said, this is a super easy fix, scotts switch even has the same color wires as the cut ones in your truck, so the install is even easier!

This is the chaos i went through putting lockers in my rig: http://www.yankeetoys.org/mangler/elockerinstall.htm

Your install should be a little easier! :D

One thing i would strongly suggest is talking to Scott when you pick up the switch and ask him about the change in manners your rig will have with the locker activated on and off road. The E-Locker is essentially a spool when locked, so extra care is needed when driving with it!

Welcome to the club!

[p1michaud]

Oh what a beautiful morning!
:jump: :jump: :jump:

A great morning indeed! I forgot to mention that you should consider doing the The Tacoma Grey Wire Mod (http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/minutemods/greywire_mod/) while you are playing with locker wiring. Easy mod that allows you to use the locker in 2WD, 4HI and 4LO.

Good luck,
P

[SOAZ]

That is great! and bizarre!
I'm going to click my heals together three times and check the parking lot. There better be a locker!

[skippingwork]

That is great! and bizarre!
I'm going to click my heals together three times and check the parking lot. There better be a locker!



Scott and Kevin,

Will you look in my driveway and see if there's an Adventure Trailer there? :)

Thanks!

Marian

[Scott Brady]

Scott and Kevin,

Will you look in my driveway and see if there's an Adventure Trailer there? :)

Thanks!

Marian

That would be cool!

[kcowyo]

KC,

You should see what she can drive through without a locker.

I saw the photos of her on the Broken Arrow trail. Very impressive.

So which publication are you going to make me wait for Scott, before I can see the pics from Sedona? TT, Off Road, OLJ......?

[Boston Mangler]

Here is another one of the "Spotting Dog"

http://www.yankeetoys.org/mangler/grandcanyon52.jpg

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Still Praying for.....Toyota TRD Electric Locker retrofit!




Maybe these link's can help with some wiring questions.


http://carterswebsite.com/4runner/mods/locker/


The link is based more on a retrofit....but it looks like it has some good wiring info.............



http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/electric_locker/locker_left_side.jpg


More wiring info..........

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/electric_locker/


Types of Diff's.......

http://home.4x4wire.com/erik/diffs/


More Locker info showing options of types of Lockers.......

http://toyota.off-road.com/toyota/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=186289



ELECTRIC SELECTABLE LOCKER


Toyota includes an electronically operated locking rear differential as part of their TRD package on Tacoma trucks. This is an awesome option and allows 100% traction on demand. One of the only downsides is that the TRD rear locker cannot be easily retrofitted to non-TRD Tacoma trucks without using an entire TRD rear axle assembly because the two axles use different third members and housings. The electric motor is also somewhat exposed to damage off-road. There is no front locker currently available from Toyota for Tacoma applications.

http://toyota.off-road.com/toyota/data/articlestandard/toyota/422005/186289/9_trd.jpg


.




Locker Control Circuit:
http://carterswebsite.com/4runner/mods/locker/circuit3.gif





.

[BlueFly]

Ask and you shall receive!

You should be seeing one fo these lights blink at you then come in solid on your dash in the very near future...

http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/3669/1186896306047738234S600x600Q85.jpg (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/1186896306047738234nDdQra)



The future is now! :jumping:

It was a simple ceremony with Scott Brady officiating. One lonely, seemingly abandoned rear locker switch has come together with one orphaned and long ignored rear locker.

And no, my friends, these two are not just spinning their wheels. The relationship has officially been actuated. :ylsmoke:

[flyingwil]

Donna has a locker, I have seen it with my own eyes. It is possible that she does not have the computer, but I find that to not be likely also, as the switch wires were visible behind the knock-out in the dash, but cut.

Donna, you have my number, so don't hesitate for a moment to get me on the phone with these knuckleheads.

Oh, and your rear locker is a Toyota E-Locker, which is driver selectable, not automatic.


I seem to remember a trip where you learned what the button did... You were all excited to finally learn what that button was.

If you need any help you also have my number... I'll swing by and help you out if needed... just let me know.

[flyingwil]

:oops: I guess I am too late... Donna if you ever need help just give us a call and I'll try and swing by and help you guys out!

[Scott Brady]

I seem to remember a trip where you learned what the button did... You were all excited to finally learn what that button was.


That was the "clutch start cancel" button on Gunsite Pass :)

[flyingwil]

That was the "clutch start cancel" button on Gunsite Pass :)

D'oh! I am way off! Either way out door is open for help.

[BlueFly]

Donna if you ever need help just give us a call and I'll try and swing by and help you guys out!
Thanks Will, yes, that was the Clutch Start Cancel button. Used it last weekend...


Maybe these link's can help with some wiring questions.

Good stuff here, now bookmarked.



One thing i would strongly suggest is talking to Scott when you pick up the switch and ask him about the change in manners your rig will have with the locker activated on and off road.
Done!

A great morning indeed! I forgot to mention that you should consider doing the The Tacoma Grey Wire Mod (http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/minutemods/greywire_mod/) while you are playing with locker wiring. Easy mod that allows you to use the locker in 2WD, 4HI and 4LO.
That's a great link - I'll save it for when I get some experience using it in low.

As for my purported driving skills, I chalk it up to beginner's luck coupled with the fact that I have had the good fortune of starting off learning from the best! (There's also my recently-revealed-in-this-thread secret weapon: Indie the spotting dog as my back seat driver :) )

:26_34_3: Thanks to all for accompanying me down the road to lockerdom. It's been a fun ride and I've learned a thing or two.

[p1michaud]

The future is now! :jumping:

A good day indeed!

Glad everything worked out for you.

Cheers :beer:,
P

[Boston Mangler]

It was a simple ceremony with Scott Brady officiating. One lonely, seemingly abandoned rear locker switch has come together with one orphaned and long ignored rear locker.

And no, my friends, these two are not just spinning their wheels. The relationship has officially been actuated.

Well Said! I love your sense of humor!

Congrats Donna, welcome to the club! :jumping: