Rear Locker Diff

Sorry it this has been answered B4, I've done a search but haven't found it.

I just bought my 1st Toyota, an 06 Tacoma SR5, TRD off-road, double-cab short bed with 3" rev-tech lift kit, K&N Filter. Other than that it's pretty stock with 39K miles. Pardon if this is a dumb question but can the rear diff be locked in 2WDH or does it need to be in 4WD? I haven't had it in slippery conditions and haven't wanted to try on pavement so I figured I'd just ask the experts out there.

Also, is the locker air activated or electronic?

Thanks

 

it can be in 2x4

 

locker is electric and will only work in 4 low

 

You gotta be in 4x4 low until you do this one mod for it then it can be used in 2x4.

Oh if you haven't looked in the AZ section we are doing a Mod day / BBQ if you want to come out.

 

Thank you all; I didn't even realize there is an AZ section, I'll look for it. It seems that you don't all agree on when the locker engages but 2 out 3 say in 4WDL only.

Thanks again

 

Factory it is ONLY in 4x4 low. But there is a mod that you can do that will allow you to engage it in 2x4 or 4x4 high.

AZ Section

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/arizona/

 

Thanks amaes, I'll check it out.

 

It is stressed the rear locker is for getting unstuck or out of a situation only when you have 4WD... so, it will only work in L4 and engaged while you are stopped. I used it many times for steep hill climbs with my '01 and '05 Tacomas.

I do not know what it is limited to on the 2WD Tacomas that come with it. I briefly toyed with the idea to do the MOD. described here in TW to get it to work in 2WD... until I realized that the AUTO LSD MODE ('09 +) is pretty close to the locker action in 2WD. Seriously, if you can just put it in H4 if your tires slip and solve the problem, no need for a 2WD locker for us 4WD trucks... right?

As for us '09 + Off Road 4WD Tacomas... well NINE drive modes is enough! LOL

 

Well as I understand it, in stock condition the locker will only engage in 4WDL. What I was hoping is the if I'm out doing mild off-roading in 2WD and momentarily get stuck, all I'd need do is push the locker button, get unstuck, turn it off and be on my way. Sounds like unless I do the mod; I have to fiddle with that silly 4x4 twist dial, shift into neutral and wait for 4WDL to engage (at which point I probably won't need to engage the locker anyway) get unstuck and then reverse the silly dial process. Not a big deal, just learning what my options are with my "new" truck.

Thanks

 

If a 5spd prerunner has a locker then where does it have to be to be engaged?..............and nobody say offroad please

 

Anytime man. With a prerunner it doesn't matter. and we can go faster with it on.

 

Hi David,

I had an '05 and now a '10 both with the dial 4WD selector... and there is nothing EASIER than to get into H4... FAR, FAR easier than locking the rear end, and H4 engages every time.... but L4 and the RR Locker often take a couple of attempts as well as stopping, etc.

 

What does your owners manual say about using the locker in 2WD... I am sure I can go as fast as I can with the rear locked in 4WD, but it goes against the factory recommendation...?

 

In the prerunner we don't have to be in low gear to have it on. I'm done 60 through a wash with it on before. and anytime I'm in the sand I keep at a pace of 20-30 with it on. THe manual states to use it when stuck in mud.

 

Well that's what our manual says too... so you should NOT be using the rear locker anytime you want, either... It is just a traction enhancement to get you through a difficult section of terrain.

Perhaps it physically will work fine at 60 mph, but there are steering issues with lockers, so Toyota may be just protecting itself and its truck owners.

We with 4WD have AUTO LSD in H2, H4, L4, A-TRAC all to use before the RR Locker would be suggested... all the other traction modes being prefered over the locker.

Interesting...

 

I have an 07 with the locker mod done,And find it handy for situations I encounter on damaged fire roads and off road trails.I had a detroit locker in my 91 and got use to making a trail a challenge using only 2wd.The mod is like 10 bucks and 10 minutes,plus since you already have it on a simple push of the clutch puts you locked in 4lo to stay moving.