How does the locker work?

2003 Tacoma 4x4 TRD.

I've been reading the owners manual and it makes reference to turning the locker on and off. The Gray Wire Mod implies that it can be turned on and off, too.

Coming from Ford, where the differential is a limited slip controlled by clutches, this on-or-off for the differential has me confused.

Will someone explain to me how it works or direct me to a write-up somewhere that does?

Thanks,

Matt

 

There are 2 types of lockers, manual and automatic. What you're referring to is the E(electronic) locker. Flip a switch and it engages.

just google 'differential locker' and you'll find videos and diagrams and posts enough to keep you busy until the day after the sun explodes.

 

The gray wire mod makes it so you can turn the elocker on and off whenever you want. Otherwise it will only engage when you're in (might be slightly wrong here) 4lo for sure and I -think- 4hi

I think that's right haha

 

This is for an ARB air locker but similar concept

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5DsgHMvVcPs

Basically, you lock up the spider gears, turning the diff into a spool.

 

There are a bunch of write ups on the operation and diagnosis (of a non-working unit) on this site, though I don't have the links. You can try the search function and see what it produces. Or, like Indy said, google will have a ton of info and links re the use.

Be sure to engage/disengage the locker frequently (I do it at least 2 times a month) to ensure it doesn't seize up and become faulty. You'll be glad you did when the times comes that you actually need it.

 

So, the differential goes from being fully open, to fully locked? There's no limited slip aspect to it at all?

What about the front diff? Is it open?

 

Yes. It goes from fully open to fully locked. No in-between. And, yes, front diff is open.

 

Winner!

Limited Slip:

In 2005 (to 2008) the TRD SPORT models got a mechanical limited slip rear differential.

In 2009 (and a few specialty order earlier models back to 2005) Tacomas all got an electronic/ ABS limited slip system called TRAC (traction control). In H4 it works on the front and rear tires. Two levels of traction control are available: TRAC and TRAC OFF (AUTO LSD). Trac has engine regulation and Trac Off doesn't, for a stronger limited slip. In H4 (2009-2011) Trac is the same as Trac off.

The TRD OFF ROAD also got 'A-TRAC' which provided nearly no slip traction control on the front and rear tires (very close to the traction of lockers). The TRD OFF ROAD continues to have the locking rear differential.

 

Only in 4lo until you do the gray wire mod.

Prior to 2005 (all 1st gen Tacomas) there was no factory limited slip diff offered.

 

Thanks. I just wasnt sure about the 4hi haha

 

Just to be clear, TRD Prerunners don't have to be in 4lo to use their elocker.

 

I did the grey wire mod on my 02 taco trd 4x4 and now the rr dif lock works in 4hi 2hi &4lo hope that clears this up for you. Before the grey wire mod it only worked in 4lo. If any of you have a rr dif lock it is a good habit to engage it once a month to keep,actuator working.

 

OP,
you do realize that there is a button on the dash (labeled RR or something) that YOU have to push, don't you? It isn't an automatic locker, like a Lock-rite.

 

Some of us had to install our own button.....

 

They don't have a transfer case, so you don't have a '4lo' (or 4 High) to get into, at all!

 

Yes, I knew that. Thanks