when to use the locking rear diff

So I am looking at an 05 tacoma prerunner 2wd with the trd off road package. when can I use the locking rear diff. I imagine that the only time I would need to use it would be when we get alot of snow, which isn't very often. 1, maybe 2 times a year.

 

Only if you're stuck. IIRC you can only drive like 3mph with it engaged. Or that's whats recommended.

 

You can drive 50 mph and it wouldn't matter, only if you are driving in a straight line

 

rockcrawling

 

right before you think you will get stuck without it.

i think you need to be crawling when you go in, but you can drive over 5mph once you are in..

 

^This. Use it before you get stuck so you won't.

 

I turn it on as soon as I hit dirt, and I have gone around 50 mph for countless times, turning and catching air, and it's fine. Just make sure its off when u hit pavement

 

win

 

I use my locker everywhere and for everything and I engage it doing doughnuts at full speed while hitting the NOS. It clunks pretty loud, but I think it makes me C00L3R that way


engage it between 0-5mph, I use it whenever I am offroad and disengage it just before returning to pavement. zero issues so far.

 

Lockup the rear diff if you're on a very rocky or dicey section of trail where maximum traction is needed and any wheel spin/slip may present some danger. I agree with aficianado, that using it in anticipation of getting stuck is also very good.

The Toyota owners manual advises you to use it when you're stuck and to disengage it when your truck is free. That's good but sometimes if your stuck it may have trouble engaging.

Welcome to the forum!

 

So is the locking diff basically going to be worthless to me on roads that have alot of snow on them?

 

would a limited slip be better for that situation?

 

oh. and I consider myself a good driver, but this will be my first pickup. I am used to the full time AWD of my WRX with snow tires. that thing was damn near invincible in snow.

 

You might be better off with a 4wd. Yeah, more expensive, but...with what you're coming from, I think you will be happier with a 4wd.

 

^^^ This. Good limited slip in snow country is better option just because it adjusts to conditions on the fly.
When it snows most of the road will get covered by ice/snow then there are spots (like under the bridges that have clean asphalt for the moment. The same thing as with AWD vs 4x4. AWD is more convenient then 4x4 due to ability to better manage changing conditions. But when going gets really tough then lockers are the way to go.
IMO for winter: AWD (with center lock) + Lockers is best, 4x4 + good LSD is second.
For 2wd I would think about Limited slip rather then locker. IMO Locker makes little sense for 2wd. Hard to rock crawl with 2wd and if there is a lot of snow to warrant locker most likely it won't make too much of the difference. (Unless you are on 100% flat area)

Now to add to that. Not all AWD are created equal. open diff style AWD are not much help either but the ones with Limited slip in the center are pretty much perfect.

If you switching from AWD to 2wd (Rwd) pickup you may be very disappointed. Not having ability to point wheels with power to desired direction is the main issue with 2wd pickups.

 

Well, my wrx WAS going to be my weekend warrior and I was going to autocross it. that never happened, and I am sure I never took advantage of it's full potential. This truck will only be used to get me back and forth to work and around town. Maybe a trip up to minnesota 1 time a year and down to indiana 1 to two times a year.
I figured the 4wd wouldn't be worth it to me.

 

I was referring to puerly snow driving. WRX is much better then pickup in 2wd for snow covered roads. Even if you have locker or Limtied slip in 2wd pickup. And if you had sedan WRX you probably had rear limited slip too.
First snow you will see what I mean and I would suggest taking very easy.

 

oh yeah. Will definitely have to take it easy. gotta get used to it.
I am sure it will be fine. We don't have snow on the roads enough around here to really make it matter I think.