Outer Limits 4x4 Board

I don't know much about it, but I'd like to try getting a factory electric diff lock for my 95 series prado (I heard that some Jap models have them, but they weren't imported here). I've a friend over in Japan who could try sourcing one from the wreckers (assume he doesn't know cars), and I'll be going over there soon so I could pick it up.

Does anyone know more about these? How do I specify what I'm after, eg "90 series prado rear electric diff lock centre?" It's just the diff centre that I need, right? Diff ratios don't matter, do they? Thanks in advance for any advice!

In the 80series with factory lockers, the diff centre, carrier, housing and axles are all different to standard ones. Id guess it would be a similar story with the prado

I heard the main problem with them if the electric motor goes bust when u're locked.
U're Locked.

Just my 2cents coming from my mates experiences as many LCIIs from malaysia swap over to the Factory locker.
Also the motor is abit vulnerable.

Same when youre unlocked.. Apparently if you know what youre doing you can remove the motor and manually actuate the locker in emergency situations.

Thanks for the tips! If it's going to cost much I'll give it a miss... I'm hoping that it might be really cheap out there! I've heard that the diff housing will need some mods for it to fit.

Some Malaysian guys have converted the toyota factory electric lockers over to pneumatic. No more electric motor as an air operated ram piston is used. Quite effective.

have seen toyota factory electronic actuated lockers converted to cable actuated lockers

The toyota electric lockers just uses an electric solenoid ontop of the carrier to push a lever which activates the locker.

Push the lever however you like and it will lock/unlock.

The differences in the electric locked diffs is usually all in the carrier (third member?).

Sometimes a little bit of grinding to the housing to make it fit (believe this is the case for the 60 and 80 series).

Also I believe the long side axle has a slightly longer spline in the case of 60 and 80 series, which if you dont get, can lead to a shredded spline as it will not be fully engaged.

Just buy an aftermarket one, the factory one is difficult to fit in the prado.

Just buy ARB and be done with it.