[surfpunk]

how hard is it to install a locker? and do you need any special tools? are there any instructions/walk throughs i could look at? im pretty confident with working on my truck, ive just never worked on a differential or even seen one opened up, so im a little nervous about this project. but i really dont want to spend the money to have someone work on my differential again, as i already regeared and was a dumb ass and didnt do the locker at the same time...

also, are there any suggestions on which locker to go with?

 

[Boheefus]

if you don't wanna spend the money on getting someone to set it up, go with a lock-right by Powertrax, or a Detroit quicklock. Niether one requires any special knowledge or tools and can be installed in a coupla hours. If you know how to set up gears, ie pinion depth, backlash, preload ect., and have a dial indicator with stand, then go for a full carrier locker like a Detroit or ARB. I wouldn't recommend attempting a carrier replacement on your first crack at a diff, but there is only one way to learn how right>?

Boheefus

 

[hytenor]

how hard is it to install a locker? and do you need any special tools? are there any instructions/walk throughs i could look at? im pretty confident with working on my truck, ive just never worked on a differential or even seen one opened up, so im a little nervous about this project. but i really dont want to spend the money to have someone work on my differential again, as i already regeared and was a dumb ass and didnt do the locker at the same time...

also, are there any suggestions on which locker to go with?

there are only a couple of choices out there for the Taco. ARB and the Toyota elocker are the only selectables available.

otherwise you can get a Lockrite, Aussie locker, or no-slip but take into consideration that your rear end will be locked all the time and you'll have to re-learn how to drive your truck (especially in rain or snow) and expect faster rear tire wear.

the drop-ins (retains existing carrier) like Lockrite are cheap and easy to install. Mike Ross has a writeup on the Norcal site somewhere.

the ARB requires gear set-up and that is not a job for the novice. (full carrier replacement)
elockers can only be had by swapping the entire axle assembly and running the wiring.

another alternative is an LSD. trdparts4u still had the TRD for $199
otherwise, the best unit is the Truetrac but it requires gear set-up just like the ARB.

I suggest the ARB if you can afford it, otherwise try the Lockrite but I would find someone who has one and ask to drive their rig so you'll have a feel for what its like

 

[ShowStop]

how hard is it to install a locker? and do you need any special tools? are there any instructions/walk throughs i could look at? im pretty confident with working on my truck, ive just never worked on a differential or even seen one opened up, so im a little nervous about this project. but i really dont want to spend the money to have someone work on my differential again, as i already regeared and was a dumb ass and didnt do the locker at the same time...

also, are there any suggestions on which locker to go with?

The lock-right and the No-Slip are going to be the least expensive and easiest to install. I have a No-Slip and installed that myself and also installed a lock-right for a friend. Instructions for those installs are here:
www.toy4x4.net/rear_locker/index.htm

ARB locker is another option and certainly a nice choice, but definately not a novice install project. Most people have a shop install the ARB and the going rate for that is close to $250, just for the install.