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can i operate my Locking rear diff at speeds above 5 mph?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by trail mix, Sep 29, 2012.

  1. Sep 29, 2012 at 4:50 PM
    #1
    trail mix

    trail mix [OP] Member

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    is it safe?
     
  2. Sep 29, 2012 at 4:52 PM
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    MonkeyProof

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  3. Sep 29, 2012 at 4:52 PM
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    MonkeyProof

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    just dont try and engage at speeds above 5 mph
     
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  4. Sep 29, 2012 at 4:54 PM
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    Spoonman

    Spoonman Granite Guru

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    Enough said right there.^^^
     
  5. Sep 30, 2012 at 1:19 PM
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    trail mix

    trail mix [OP] Member

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    I thought the benefit of having a rear diff. lock was not just for getting un-stuck but also better traction while off-roading. is this true?

    what is your recommendations (if any) while using diff. lock?

    does is hurt my baby, lol?

    thanks so much for the feedback!
     
  6. Sep 30, 2012 at 1:20 PM
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    austinramsay

    austinramsay Well-Known Member

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    Yeah thats what its made for. You can use it at any speed just dont engage it going faster than 5 mph.
     
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  7. Sep 30, 2012 at 1:22 PM
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    Highland Logan

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    Low speed, straight line (which can't be stressed enough) for getting unstuck.

    Frank
     
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  8. Sep 30, 2012 at 1:22 PM
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    mountainman94

    mountainman94 awwwwww yeeeeeeeeahhhhh

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    it doesn't hurt it if you're in a situation where the wheels can slide. the point of a differential is to allow the wheels to spin at different speeds during turns. if you have the diff. lock engaged on pavement and try to turn, your wheels will try to spin at different speeds, and at very least one of your wheels will start jumping. its fine to have it on in dirt, mud, etc.
     
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  9. Sep 30, 2012 at 1:26 PM
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    Highland Logan

    Highland Logan UBIQUE

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    Download this attachment and change the file extension from .pdf to .swf (can't attach .swf files) and open with a web browser (FireFox works best).

    4WD Simplified.pdf

    Frank
     
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  10. Sep 30, 2012 at 1:40 PM
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    Konaborne

    Konaborne Pineapples on pizza Hawaiian does not it make.

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    use it to get unstuck

    or if you find yourself in low traction obstacles where one tire is sure to come off the ground or "break free".
    like this, Even though this is my old rear setup it shows "loose traction" pretty well. Had I not locked the back I'd have gotten stuck for sure, with one tire spinning and the other just chillin out
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Z4V5Fb9e5NY


    I use it in really loose stuff or when I know the truck will be flexing a ton
    just don't use it on-road and turn
     
  11. Sep 30, 2012 at 1:52 PM
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    David K

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    The 5 mph is the operating max. recommeded by Toyota for safety reasons because of the steering issue. It will work at any speed but it isn't there for racing purposes. Before A-TRAC I used the locker on many steep grades.
     
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  12. Sep 30, 2012 at 1:53 PM
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    trail mix

    trail mix [OP] Member

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    Thanks for all the feedback guys, definitely eases my mind. I know not to use is on-road (except for the occasional iced road or something). But I figured it would be a great help making turns on loose ground, as well as climbing.?

    mind-you I have a 2WD.
     
  13. Sep 30, 2012 at 2:12 PM
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    Konaborne

    Konaborne Pineapples on pizza Hawaiian does not it make.

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    I heard now it just takes a razor blade to your CV boots
     
  14. Sep 30, 2012 at 2:12 PM
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    TacoDell

    TacoDell Truck ~n~ Tow

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    engage 4WD high and it will calm things down a bit...
    for pee runner dorks... just better to leave it off.

    I have a full time locker...
    and I drive up icy mountain roads often.
    I haven't lost control yet... :notsure:

    Hellz muh junk luvz 'da snow and ice :D

    http://youtu.be/RgklX1vFhkY
     
  15. Sep 30, 2012 at 2:18 PM
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    TacoDell

    TacoDell Truck ~n~ Tow

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    ^ Lol...

    but I crashed once in Minnesota...
    wheeling muh 1974 Monte Carlo in 'da winter :D
     
  16. Sep 30, 2012 at 2:27 PM
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    MonkeyProof

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    :popcorn:
     
  17. Oct 21, 2022 at 6:01 AM
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    Ž@¢K

    Ž@¢K Well-Known Member

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    i just figured out that on the first gens to 04 they only have sensors that relay to the ecu to stop engagement from happening in certain situations (above 5mph mainly) and once engaged it doesnt care how fast or whether your in 4wd high or low.. once its locked its locked. And wont damage anything internally unless its not fully locked say if the motor doesnt move the rack far enough .. i was in a situation where it pulled it far enough to turn off the light saying it was engaged and turning back on the abs.. well it didnt unlock and theres a reason it turns off abs when you lock it.. think about it.. abs puts more braking force on the wheel thats slipping more. When you turn locked one tire jumps which causes the abs to trigger then it sends the whole godamn thing into a fit.. one wheel will start doing the brake farts then the other meanwhile youre brake pedal goes to the floor.. and you hear the diff just bouncing off the locker like if you got the wheels off the ground and you roll the tires front to back real quick.. if you know you know.. but yea for fuck sake if you drive with it locked, good for you and youre just waiting for it to bite you in the ass turning one day and youll lose control, or may never happen to u but thats the risk there. Now if you unlock it and go to drive off, the lock light goes off, but you notice that when you turn at slow speeds it chirps the ass end, its still locked and in a state of psycho girlfriend.. you just don't know when it might try and put you in a ditch.. especially if youve had issues with a wheel speed sensor because if you dont get one seated fully everytime you stop the abs will kick on and you gotta hope if youre locked like that and abs triggers that youre at a slower speed because it will turn your rear pumpkin into diff soup.. quick.. then youre front wheel drive only as long as it doesnt lock the pinion up also then youre gonna have driveshaft parts trying to take your gas tank and shit out.. theres reasons why they put caution stickers on stuff.. do what you want but know what the hell youre doing unless you like spending money and hospitals..
     
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  18. Oct 21, 2022 at 7:11 AM
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    LiftedOn35s

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    Being a PreRunner you can lock yours whenever you want (us 4x4s can only lock it in 4 low stock) which gives you a certain advantage. You can lock it whenever you get 1 wheel spinning faster than the other when you don't want; sand or soft dirt, wheel picking up off the ground, etc. Just try not to ever turn very tight with it.
     
  19. Oct 22, 2022 at 9:07 AM
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    mike a

    mike a Active Member

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    I have a 2000 4x4 v-6 5-speed that I did the “grey wire mod” on and I use the locker whenever I want. Whenever I’m off-road that’s the first button I press and it stays open n until I’m done off-roading. It even stays on when I’m aired down and have to go in the street. I’ve been known to turn it on in dry asphalt and do doughnuts and never had an issue. I’ve had people say they are weak and delicate but in my eyes they are super stressed by because mine gets abused regularly.
     
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  20. Oct 22, 2022 at 10:29 AM
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    David K

    David K Well-Known Member

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    Cool bump of a 10-year-old post!
     
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