If you are quite mechanical and can do your own e-locker/ARB install, then I'd agree with everyone who's posted not to spent more than $600ish. If you are not able to do your own install, then I'd get the e-locker equipped 3rd gen even if I had to pay an extra $1200 to get one with the e-locker.

By the time it's said and done, any decent locker that is selectable will run $1200+ by the time it's said and done (install by someone else). Around where I live an ARB locker, compressor, install etc. will run around $1800-2200 for just rear, closer to $2500+ for front and rear.

Just out of curiosity, what have some of you payed for a professionally installed ARB set-up for the front on a 3rd gen. in and around Oregon/Washington? Perhaps I'll get it done down there on vacation if it's that much cheaper than here.

Cheers

 

OUCH. That would be enough motivation to learn to set up diffs right there.

A press, a jig (homemade), a dial indicator, an inch pound dial torque wrench, and perhaps a mentor is all you really need.
http://www.gearinstalls.com

 

I've really never seen the locker alter the price of a 3rd gen since most owners don't know what it is and/or have never used it.

My mom's '99 Limited has the diff lock and she's owned it since '01 and has never engaged it personally (I do it for her about twice a year to keep it working) and wouldn't add to her resale but it might help her sell it if she ever did.

 

A mentor and the link you gave me would definitely help. Thanks for the info.

Cheers

 

I wheel mine and it's not a beater. I wished I had a locker, I've wished so had that I have an ARB in a box in my garage. You will be able to get through more obstacals easier with a locker. You will try harder obstacals with a locker. You will not have to power or throw yourself through obstacals. I was trying to get through things with speed and power which, IMO, and felt that I would be breaking things if I kept doing this.

Get one with a locker! rr= ReaR

Try it before you buy it. If it doesn't work it may be someting simple.

 

I wouldnt pay any extra....95% of the owners have no clue what that button even does or that it is a special option

 

Have any of you ever done the conversion to an e-locker? I am considering a 98 4runner limited that would need it added. Is the main wiring already there or would i have to add it in addition to the switch, relay and locker w/axle harness?

Much thanks!

 

I have, but on an earlier truck so I cannot speak to the wiring harness. AFAIK, however, you have the "8.3 diff", which is not compatible with the elocker. If you can find a donor elocker and axle, the swap is easy enough, and there are lots of sites showing wiring using relays (and it tends to be simpler than factory really).

That failing, an ARB might be a consideration.

 

If I'm not mistaken - most Runners of the year your looking at are partially set up for the locket anyways. I had to mod my axle housing - but I'm not sure that you will have to. Also I have read that they are usually pre-wired with the ECU as well... Maybe someone who knows for sure will chime in here. If it's true - buying one without the locker would mean just a couple hundred bucks to set it up with one.

 

Thanks gentlemen!