Revolution gears

[Octanejunkie]

Looking at a set of 488s at Yotamasters , complete with master bearing kit, , bolts and retainers delivered for $885 delivered



I got an email into them with a couple of questions, and I'm pretty much ready to pull trigger

Any reason not to, or should I get a similar Nitro kit from just differentials.com for $932 delivered?

Both kids claim South Korean gears with japanese, Koyo, bearings. Bolts and retainers are genuine Toyota.

Any reason to go with one, or the other, or neither?

 

[4runner DOA]

Looking at a set of 488s at Yotamasters , complete with master bearing kit, , bolts and retainers delivered for $885 delivered

View attachment 80379View attachment 80380

I got an email into them with a couple of questions, and I'm pretty much ready to pull trigger

Any reason not to, or should I get a similar Nitro kit from just differentials.com for $932 delivered?

Both kids claim South Korean gears with japanese, Koyo, bearings. Bolts and retainers are genuine Toyota.

Any reason to go with one, or the other, or neither?

I went to through ECGS because of their warranty. Customer service has been top notch. Wasn't something I wanted to tackle myself and I had lockers added at the same time.

I have until October to go blow shit up before my 5 year warranty is up. Haha.

 

[Chris In Milwaukee]

Is this a project that you feel qualified to do? I don't have the background on this kind of thing (although I could probably become a YouTube Expert Mechanic if needed). In Cali it's folks who can do that kind of thing are probably everywhere. I think there's a shop near me that can do it, but Wisconsin isn't really a mecca of off roading. If I had the right tools and the time (and no more warranty), I think it would be cool to give it a go. Wondering if my dealership would do this kind of work (shudder).

 

[Octanejunkie]

Is this a project that you feel qualified to do? I don't have the background on this kind of thing (although I could probably become a YouTube Expert Mechanic if needed). In Cali it's folks who can do that kind of thing are probably everywhere. I think there's a shop near me that can do it, but Wisconsin isn't really a mecca of off roading. If I had the right tools and the time (and no more warranty), I think it would be cool to give it a go. Wondering if my dealership would do this kind of work (shudder).

Not going to install myself
I've used Hoopers Rear End in asun Valley for gear work twice before with great results. They will do the install for $850 if I bring them the diffs off the vehicle .

 

[Stairgod]

Specialist shops are the best bet for this kind of work.
They do enough to become proficient.
They can do it faster and with better results. They often charge more per hour but get it done faster resulting in a lower overall cost.
When I was younger I did probably 10 diffs in just over a year.
I learned to appreciate a third member set up vs a Dana or corporate axle for sure. But I was definitely not proficient.

 

[Octanejunkie]

Specialist shops are the best bet for this kind of work.
They do enough to become proficient.
They can do it faster and with better results. They often charge more per hour but get it done faster resulting in a lower overall cost.
When I was younger I did probably 10 diffs in just over a year.
I learned to appreciate a third member set up vs a Dana or corporate axle for sure. But I was definitely not proficient.

The same conversation I have with clients all the time, cheaper labor performed by less experienced providers can take two to three times as long and often is not done correctly. Paying a more experienced professional a higher rate always yields a better level of success, and ROI in the long run.

Hence the adage: cheap people paid twice, and often three times or more.

 

[Octanejunkie]

I've got a buddy with 4.10 gears that wants my 4.30 gears. His truck is currently on blocks while he works on it.

Would it make sense for me to get his front diff and e-locker 3rd member, have 4.88 gears installed in them and just give him my front diff and 3rd in exchange?

 

[Stairgod]

I've got a buddy with 4.10 gears that wants my 4.30 gears. His truck is currently on blocks while he works on it.

Would it make sense for me to get his front diff and e-locker 3rd member, have 4.88 gears installed in them and just give him my front diff and 3rd in exchange?

Depends on how good a friend he is.
A little cash on his end would be nice.
Without that the cost is the same to you either way.

 

[Octanejunkie]

Depends on how good a friend he is.
A little cash on his end would be nice.
Without that the cost is the same to you either way.

He will pull his diffs and help me with the diff swaps on my rig after the install, so I'm not working alone. I'm okay not asking for $ since it keeps my rig on the road and costs me nothing

 

[Airdog]

Fuck Yotamasters. They didnt honor their one year parts and labor warranty that is on their receipts after my Diff from them blew up in less than 6 months.

 

[Airdog]

...and Ive got a 2nd gen ECGS toyota elocker for sale with 4.88 and solid spacer. Think there is 2 or 3 years left on the warranty. Lightly used always babied. hell ill ive got tons of spares for it too. Stock gears...and another set of 4.56 ring and pinion too...though they could be 4.88 also

 

[G_Raw]

I went to through ECGS because of their warranty. Customer service has been top notch. Wasn't something I wanted to tackle myself and I had lockers added at the same time.

I have until October to go blow shit up before my 5 year warranty is up. Haha.

This! except I got two more years on mine haha

 

[Stairgod]

My third has been back to ECGS twice.
ARB leaked, fixed, leaked again and then broke the R&P, fixed, leaking air again.
Warranty ran out in May....

 

[4runner DOA]

My third has been back to ECGS twice.
ARB leaked, fixed, leaked again and then broke the R&P, fixed, leaking air again.
Warranty ran out in May....

I can't believe they're still having issues with the bonded seal in the lockers. Mines been totally fine.

 

[Stairgod]

I can't believe they're still having issues with the bonded seal in the lockers. Mines been totally fine.

I am diligent with hear oil changes. I have a regulator on the solenoids so the ARBs don't see over 100 psi.
Still the third time leaking.
I am probably done with the one in the rear. Front can stay until it has an issue

 

[Dezert4Runner]

So are the Harrop’s better in real world use than a factory e-locker since the oem ones take a while to disengage? If not, what would be the preference for selectable if ARB can’t get their shit together after years of seal issues? Gears are finally on my radar now that I bumped up my tire size, and a locker makes sense while I’m in there.

All I know is I’m not running a full time locker, even a Detroit that disengages and ratchets around corners. I blew up a diff with one of those installed on my ‘93 LT Toyota pickup years ago. I didn’t have any issues in Ocotillo Wells with it, but one day the diff started clacking loudly on the highway when it decided to shit the bed. Scared the piss out of me. I’d rather go the selectable route one way or another.

 

[Stairgod]

So are the Harrop’s better in real world use than a factory e-locker since the oem ones take a while to disengage? If not, what would be the preference for selectable if ARB can’t get their shit together after years of seal issues? Gears are finally on my radar now that I bumped up my tire size, and a locker makes sense while I’m in there.

All I know is I’m not running a full time locker, even a Detroit that disengages and ratchets around corners. I blew up a diff with one of those installed on my ‘93 LT Toyota pickup years ago. I didn’t have any issues in Ocotillo Wells with it, but one day the diff started clacking loudly on the highway when it decided to shit the bed. Scared the piss out of me. I’d rather go the selectable route one way or another.

I wanted but can't find a TJM. Uses air to activate an Air cylinder to move an engagement ring.
The Eaton/Harrop has one big issue that may or not bother you. It disengages briefly when switching directions. Is problematic for some during technical wheeling.
I know at least one guy that has been using them for some time and it doesn't bother him.
All depends on you and your needs and particular idiosyncrasies.
E Lockers definitely seem to be the future. Most manufacturers use them for a reason.
ARB has a stellar long time track record. One guy in my club has had one in his rig for 20+ years with no issue. Contrast that with my issues.
I agree that selectable lockers are the best option. I am lost as to what the best option is for me now.

 

[Ogreboi666]

Not going to install myself
I've used Hoopers Rear End in asun Valley for gear work twice before with great results. They will do the install for $850 if I bring them the diffs off the vehicle .

950 +850 is 1800 bucks which is the same as it would be to get ecgs swaps with the 5 year warranty and all you need to do is swap. Front is a little annoying but rear is cake. Did a full e locker swap on mine a couple of months ago.

If you have an extra front laying around you could send that in and sell your 4.3 front since they are more desirable on the used market.

 

[Octanejunkie]

950 +850 is 1800 bucks which is the same as it would be to get ecgs swaps with the 5 year warranty and all you need to do is swap. Front is a little annoying but rear is cake. Did a full e locker swap on mine a couple of months ago.

If you have an extra front laying around you could send that in and sell your 4.3 front since they are more desirable on the used market.

Not a bad idea, actually...

 

[Ogreboi666]

I had

Not a bad idea, actually...

I had to get a rebuilt 3rd from them when my junkyard one shit the bed and it’s been fine. Great customer service as well