Easiest way to add factory rear-locker to a PreRunner

still waiting on your write-up...

 

Why do you want a locker in a 2wd? For righteous burnouts and reduced turning radius?

If you're wanting traction, 4wd is your best option. Do that first. An open diff 4wd will always have better traction than a locked 2wd.

I would also just generally be weary of axle swaps. While they are often a cheaper option, you are buying used equipment with unknown history so there are risks there of course. Also, while the TRD lockers are cool, the ARB/Harrops are far superior lockers. TRD lockers are plenty strong, but their engagement can be finicky, whereas the ARBs are instant on/off.

 

Still working on it - four years and counting!

 

FWIW - The rear locker doesn't really effect turning radius much... and if it's not engaged, it doesn't effect it all.

While 4wd is definitely more desirable than a 4wd, my pre runner with an e-locker got me out of some situations that would've been much more difficult without the rear locker. If OP is considering doing a 4wd swap later anyway, a rear locker (at a good price) isn't a bad idea to do, if that's what he wants. The rear locker is probably an easier, cheaper way to get some traction while OP is deciding on the 4wd swap.


As far as ARB locker... for me, that was a big NOPE. I went with a Harrop front locker. I wouldn't have an ARB locker on my truck. I don't think I have ever spoken to anyone with an ARB locker that didn't have problems with it.

 

Interesting. I've spoken with plenty of people who love their ARBs. They have been around for what seems like centuries for a good reason. Harrop (that I also mentioned) is also a great alternative. My post wasn't meant to be a brand fanboi, lol.

My overall point there was that while OEM lockers are good, they certainly aren't the best and people shouldn't necessarily move heaven and earth to try and stick with a TRD locker just because "toyota is good". I like my TRD locker, and it's more than good/strong enough that I don't feel a need to switch it out for something else, but if I were starting without one, I'd go aftermarket for sure. Spend a few more bucks to get something that is superior.

Also, my point wasn't to say that a locker doesn't increase traction, it obviously does. But if your goal is traction, 4wd makes more sense, and for me, that's where I'd focus my efforts. And at least in my experience, having the locker engaged absolutely affects turning radius. That's literally why open differentials were invented.

 

My point was that I agree 4wd is best. But there is nothing wrong with going the direction of a rear locker before doing a 4wd swap (which seems like is what OP is interested in doing)

Depends on the budget... on the locker. Maybe OP is looking for a most affordable way of doing a rear locker. A salvage TRD rear axle would be half the cost than an ARB (especially when you factor in needing a compressor) and is reliable enough for most.

With OP having a Prerunner and thinking of swapping to 4wd... the "chances" you take with swapping the axle is a moot point, considering swapping to 4wd is going to involve taking a "chance" on a transmission, t-case, hubs, CVs, differential, and drivelines.

As far as my opinion on lockers. If I was building a dedicated trail rig, I'd do Harrop front and back. But on my daily, overland, wheeling rig, I'd take my TRD rear locker over an ARB without question. Harrop would be more preferable but I don't see any "need" to switch the TRD I have with a Harrop, at this point. I've never had any real problem with my TRD engaging/disengaging.

There is no circumstance I would put an ARB in any truck I own. I'm sure there are some that disagree, and have had get success with them. I'll take the reliablility of an electric locker over air every time.

 

get a 4x4