4x4 Vs. Locking rear diff

Hello! So I am in the market for a Tacoma. I drive a Subaru WRX right now. I am looking for something bigger to hit the road with. I live in Tahoe and we get a lot of winter weather. My question is this.
I have someone interested in trading their Tacoma for my WRX. Theirs is a Prerunner with a sweet camper shell. But its not 4x4 . Has a Locking Rear diff. Will I be disapointed or get stuck with out 4x4? Can the Locking Rear make a difference in snow and ice conditions?

 

Get a 4x4, chain control is the biggest reason I feel in your area. A 4x4 will outperform a 4x2 with a locker, and you should never lock the differential in slippery conditions because it will make the car fish tail rather than turn.

 

Get 4x4. Locker does not replace 4x4 at all in any circumstance. It's better than having an open diff, but if you're dealing with snow, 4x4 is the champ.

 

4x4

 

4x4 without question

 

Snow+4x4=

 

Ive driven a prerunner and 4x4 in snowy conditions and I think you will be thoroughly disappointed with a prerunner Tacoma given your conditions. A prerunner's weight is concentrated on the front half, where no power lies. A 4x4 is gonna make a huge difference IMO.

 

In dry conditions my Prerunner With a locker can keep up with 4x4's without a locker, and sometimes even get places they can't, but in ice or snow theres no comparison. The Prerunner is no better than a passenger car.

 

4x4.

Sometimes you need the *front* tires to pull.

 

I'm sure nobody will agree with me here, but being a subaru owner and a tacoma owner; for every day winter driving hands down I prefer the Subaru.

I may have a slightly different opinion if I had better tires on the taco, but I find driving the taco in the snow extremely annoying, where the subaru just goes, always. Sideways drifts are more controllable in the subaru where the tacoma if its not in 4wd the ass end seems sketchy even with sand in the back.

So if your options are the subaru or a 2wd taco, not much of a decision in my book.

Just comparing the two, go ahead flame away at the new guy.

 

Where can you go in a prerunner that a 4x4 can't?

 

X2- leave the nice, dry desert and and follow me through some thick Florida mud- without doing 40mph- and see how long you keep up with 4x4s.

Of course, I'll back up and tow you out, if that counts as you 'keeping up'

 

Do not get a pre runner in Tahoe. The 2WD w/locker prerunner can get you places off-road, but a locker actually severly hinders your control on a snowy-highway situation.

I have to drive over Mt.Rose highway everyday for work... 2wd is not an option if you live in Tahoe, unless you want to put chains on every other day.

 

4x4 all the way!!!! you will love it.....

 

I really value all of your opinions! As they are all pretty unanimous, thanks so much for the posts. Looks like 4x4 it is. thats what I thought

 

Yeah, nothing beats 4x4 in the snow. Once you have it, you'll never go back to 2wd.

 

4x4 > 2wd regardless if one is locked than not, in a go anywhere situation. Yes if you are a desert runner and want to get LT 2wd is cool.

 

IF you like S L O W crawling...buy the 4X4. For most at speed off roading you won't need it and the locker will get you out of most trouble. Save your money maintinance and insurance, Don;t get a 4X4 just becasue you think it might be "cool" or what others think. Buy for your needs.. IF you need and will USE a 4WD than buy it. Depending on where you live resale will hold. In the south not so much as in snow country. More 2WDs TRDs are popular here according to the dealerships i visited.

I have had both in snow and on the trail. There is a difference but not all that much