Does my Tacoma have a locker?

2001 extended cab SR5. When I activate 4wd I understand it is a central locker and my impression is that from factory the front and rear differentials are otherwise open.

My Tacoma is bone stock.

Strange thing is with the transfer case (central diff) locked, the truck does not do tight turns like in a parking lot, easily. This makes me suspect I might have a rear lock. Am I imaging smth? Thanks.

 

Even with just the center locked it's still splitting the power 50/50 between the front and rear diffs, so your driveline will bind up on dry pavement. If you have factory a rear locker you'll have the button to the left of the steering wheel.

 

That is very helpful thank you. I do not have a button on the dash to lock the diff.

I have bought an Eaton TrueTrac (Torsen differential) and hav an appointment on Monday to have it installed. It would have been crazy to do that if I had already had a locker from the factory.

 

No button, no locker.

Pretty easy to tell.

 

Not quite some people just use a toggle switch.

The real easy way is just look at the rear axle .

 

Keyword being 'stock'

I agree about the varying switches used by many, but the OP said bone stock.

 

If you keep doing turns with 4x4 engaged on dry surface, you’ll going to snap something sooner than later.

 

Ok I concede your point!! But How does one know the bone stock condition unless you bought the truck off the dealers lot.

Just by looking my 92 4Runner is bone stock with the 3.4.

I am just hot and cranky!

 

I just installed an Eaton Detroit TrueTrac on Friday. Make sure you have everything. You will need new carrier bearings for the install.

 

i will not do the install myself, I have an appointment at a local overland shop. They factored in the carrier bearings. I got the special oil the manufacturer recommended for the TrueTrac.

 

I see what people are saying here. You can always look at the rear axle to see if there is a locker actuator is on the diff. I guess that would tell you

 

I think you can also run the VIN at toyota.com

 

Oh man, watch out for that... better never go off road either. Those offroading folks are snapping their axles left and right. And never go to Moab... that sandstone is axle snapping stone.

If you can't tell, I'm joking....

Watch some moab wheeling videos, at 12psi the tires bark as they break traction when turning. While you can break an axle if you bind up severely and repeatedly bounce it's not terribly common. On the street it's not an immediate issue. It will cause accelerated wear, but it will handle it fine.

 

Mine don't have a button... what about a dial?

 

Keyword bone stock on a 1st Gen

Unless you got the 40s n tons added at the port before it got to the dealer.

 

Mine have 1ton from factory

 

Dang, I only got an 8" front and 9.5" rear

 

That's good. Mines not much better with 9.5/9.5

 

I've heard Moab isn't very friendly to IFS rigs