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LOKKA or other Automatic Front Locker Owners

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Dragons Taco, Jul 24, 2017.

  1. Jul 24, 2017 at 8:59 AM
    #1
    Dragons Taco

    Dragons Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Lokka.COM has been making their version of the Aussie/Lunchbox locker for quite some time. It seems to be a nice low-buck alternative to the select-able lockers. I see lots of testimonies from Jeep, Rover & some domestic owners , but not many for our trucks.

    I'd like to hear from real owners of the LOKKA front locker. Is your truck a DD? What's your experience with it? Did you install it yourself? Any advice PRO/CON?

    Thanks TW!

    The part I've been considering is the TOY-FO-786

    Cheers!
    :D
     
    ahspurlock likes this.
  2. Jul 24, 2017 at 10:24 AM
    #2
    JayDub

    JayDub Well-Known Member

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    @ahspurlock has one of these and seems to like it.

    (I tagged him so hopefully he'll see add give additional input:D)
     
  3. Jul 24, 2017 at 10:35 AM
    #3
    eon_blue

    eon_blue Most Improved Member

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    A lunchbox non-selectable locker in a front diff on an IFS truck sounds like a bad idea to me, unless it's a dedicated trail rig.

    They work great in the rear (straight axle) even though they're squirrelly in a daily driver if you drive in inclement weather often...I had one in the rear of my older Prerunner back in the day. But front lockers are known to cause diff failure on IFS rigs even with selectable options...a non-selectable sounds risky.
     
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  4. Jul 24, 2017 at 1:22 PM
    #4
    Dragons Taco

    Dragons Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I hear what you are saying, and I've read where plenty have made this assumption. Here are the reasons I am interested:.

    1. A selectable locker (ARB, etc) will remain locked on both wheels in all conditions once it has been locked. An automatic locker will release during steering conditions (all be it somewhat) where one wheel needs to go faster than the other. an ARB will never release for this condition unless you release the locker. This is often the source for broken equipment since after locking, you must be aware of what you are doing and unlock before making a turn.

    2. I won't have to unlock the locker to make a turn in 4x4 mode.

    3. The automatic locker is made open entirely with our ADD system. The front axle has a disconnect system that is activated when the vehicle is in 4x2 mode. This will also release the locker allowing normal 2WD operation and no fears of out of control highway driving.

    4. I intend to wire up the 4x2 LOW mod. This will allow me to activate the ADD while staying in LOW gear. This will shut down the locker, and front wheel drive while remaining in LOW gear for tight high torque turns.

    5. I live in NC and have infrequent and minimal winter weather that will motivate me to drive in 4x4 in the snow on the highway, which is typically what people report is difficult or even dangerous with a front locker.

    I really don't want to debate too much on the pitfalls of having an automatic locker in the front. I am interested in hearing from people who have them already, and especially their experience with the LOKKA.

    Thanks!
     
    Last edited: Jul 24, 2017
    GilbertOz and Forestman like this.
  5. Jul 24, 2017 at 1:29 PM
    #5
    Sandman614

    Sandman614 Ex-Snarky TWSS elf, Travis #hotsavannahdotcom

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    I'll attest to both of these and detract from them, it depends on your traction situation.
    This weekend at AOP I was in higher traction situations (trail 41 dry, and some others) where I had to unlock the locker and move slightly for it to allow me to turn the steering wheel. Was there enough traction to progress that I didn't need the front locker, no.
    I was also in a very low traction situation (trail 41 when it's wet) where I did not need to unlock the front locker at all. There was very little traction so the front wheels did not "bind up" the driveline and I was able to steer.
     
  6. Jul 24, 2017 at 1:34 PM
    #6
    Muddinfun

    Muddinfun Well-Known Member

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    I know you probably don't want to hear it, but the ADD only disconnects the right axle. With a lunchbox locker, you will always be spinning the ring & pinion and driveshaft.
     
  7. Jul 24, 2017 at 1:38 PM
    #7
    Dragons Taco

    Dragons Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Already considered this.
    While it is a shame that there will be additional wear and even possible MPG reduction, the AWD FJ Manual, and the AWD 4Runner, and any truck that doesn't have a ADD with out hub locks have the same situation.
     
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  8. Jul 24, 2017 at 1:39 PM
    #8
    Dragons Taco

    Dragons Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    That's the appeal to me. I'm kind of a bruiser on the trail and if I want to make a turn, I don't need to be thinking about traction conditions, locker on or off, etc.
    It's hard enough for me to track what gear I'm in. :thumbsup:
     
  9. Jul 24, 2017 at 1:40 PM
    #9
    Dragons Taco

    Dragons Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    OH and I missed a reason:

    #6. It's $340.00 and I may even be able to install it myself.
     
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  10. Jul 24, 2017 at 1:41 PM
    #10
    Sandman614

    Sandman614 Ex-Snarky TWSS elf, Travis #hotsavannahdotcom

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    For not wanting to keep track you talk of a lot of extra switches, knobs, handles, etc... lol Soon your cab will look like
    [​IMG]
     
  11. Jul 24, 2017 at 1:43 PM
    #11
    nd4spdbh

    nd4spdbh Well-Known Member

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    Note if you have a lunchbox locker in the front (bad idea IMO) and do a 2 low mod, you will be powering the rear tires and the front driver side tire by nature of how the ADD works.

    Also, those AWD systems have different transfercases that are meant to be spun all the time. Im not sure that our transfercases (as far as lubrication goes) would like a spun front driveshaft if its not in gear.
     
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  12. Jul 24, 2017 at 1:45 PM
    #12
    Dragons Taco

    Dragons Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yah... the guitar effects pedals wired through my cb-radio all need a spot.
     
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  13. Jul 24, 2017 at 1:58 PM
    #13
    Dragons Taco

    Dragons Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I really appreciate that everyone is worried about my truck's welfare.
    The industry is huge, selling thousands of lunchbox style lockers world wide on lots of vehicles. I'm not attempting something new , novel or untested here.

    I'll have to get back with you, but when I last read about the FJ Manual diff it looked much the same as mine with out the ADD. I'll have to check out the transfer cases, I must confess that I don't know what their oil pump looks like compared to mine, or even how the center diff is oriented.
     
  14. Jul 24, 2017 at 2:02 PM
    #14
    Dragons Taco

    Dragons Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I appreciate it. I'd like to see an owner's perspective.
     
  15. Jul 24, 2017 at 2:57 PM
    #15
    Dragons Taco

    Dragons Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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  16. Jul 24, 2017 at 3:02 PM
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    nd4spdbh

    nd4spdbh Well-Known Member

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    There is no center diff on our trucks.
     
  17. Jul 24, 2017 at 3:04 PM
    #17
    mynewtoy

    mynewtoy I like men

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    Oh this is a bad idea op. just kidding.
    Im interested too. Subbed
     
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  18. Jul 24, 2017 at 3:08 PM
    #18
    ahspurlock

    ahspurlock The TW Mechanic Everyone Calls Me

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    So as the pictures show . I'm running the lokka locker on the front and love it . Yes it spins my drivers front and driveshaft . And to tcase will be fine . Plus I have a ADD switch so I can turn off my front diff at will I also am running the FJ Cruiser transfer case
     
  19. Jul 24, 2017 at 3:15 PM
    #19
    Dragons Taco

    Dragons Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I should have clarified better. I was comparing the AWD vehicles with ours. I am aware we have no center diff.
     
  20. Jul 24, 2017 at 3:19 PM
    #20
    Dragons Taco

    Dragons Taco [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for responding!
    So, you did have to remove the ring gear to make this happen. Too bad, other diffs are much easier.
    Do you find that when your ADD switch is turned off the spinning driver side wheel interferes with steering?

    Asside from being able to add shifters to the tcase, were there any other advantages , or any reason why I would have a problem with the Taco Tcase?
     
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