I've got an e-locker 3rd that I got for cheap, and an '84 front axle housing, destined for SAS in my '86 4runner. (I'm posting to this forum 'cuz it concerns a straight front axle.)
I was suddenly stricken with last-minute doubts: Can I put this e-locker into a front housing? I've searched (and searched, and searched) and haven't found anything that calms my jitters...
I haven't found anything that says I can't, either.
I did find this thread:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...e-locker+front
that looks like an E-locker front install, but doesn't positively state that.
A toy 8" third will work in either end, right, front or rear axle? The E-locker is just another third so I should be able to 'turn it around' and put it into the front axle housing, yes? (I already know about clearancing the housing, welding and drilling for new studs, and wiring issues).
Somebody who's put an E-locker in a front housing, give me some peace of mind here!

 

My nephew-in-law did it. His runner is an 84 and he put a hi pinion gear set with a retro e-locker. I was going to follow his lead on my 85, but have decided to go ARB.

 

Yes, I put one in the front of my '85. A couple of small clearance issues: There's an aluminum cap, retained by 2 bolts, that covers the shifting fork shaft bore, the top bolt needs to be countersunk to clear the spring pack and one of the carrier bearing adjuster lock tab bolts might contact the housing, requiring dimpling (hammer) of the housing or replacing it with (what I did) a low profile button head allen screw. Explained better here: http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/electric_locker/ I love my e-locker! -----------Hans

 

Fuster and Hans: Thanks guys! I just needed to know there wasn't some wierd issue like reverse-cut gearing that I'd missed. ---- Skrape

 

No reverse cut gears there. All the 8" gears will fit and work the same in front or back. Make sure you get the v-6 install kit for the gears, and be advised that even that doesnt have all the bearings you will need if they all need to be replaced.

 

If you can find one for a decent price, I'd get an FJ80 front third---high pinion (better driveshaft angle and clearance) and reverse spiral (stronger in a front application). It's an 8" also---------Hans