Questions about 4x4, LSD, and lockers

Hi there, new member here.

I have a few questions I hope you guys can help me with. I've searched and can't quite find what I'm looking for. I have reviewed some very helpful posts, however.

I have a Canadian, 2009 DCLB, sport with leather package. Just traded in my VW for it. Previous trucks I've owned are a couple of f-150's.

From an off road perspective, how capable is this truck stock? I won't be doing crazy things with it but I do a lot of backcountry mountaineering and hiking so I travel on a lot of decommissioned forest roads. I'm contemplating adding a locker. Do you guys think that's overkill given the stock capabilities of the truck?

Are the stock skid plates decent enough for cross ditches, loose rocks, running over small trees (dead), etc?

Additionally, does anybody know why the LSD turns off when I go into 4wd and I can't turn it back on? You'd think that it would be helpful to have in 4wd going up loose rocks/gravel.

Thanks in advance. Shout out to any members in the GVRD

 

Hey man, nothing personal but some aspects of your question are a bit controversial.

Given that today is "April Fools Day" and known for shenanigans, would you mind posting up again tomorrow and just confirming that it's a serious question, asked in sincerity.

Then I'm sure you'll get plenty of helpful replies.

 

Hahaha right so I guess these questions have all been asked a million times before. I get what your sayin but I'm serious, no trolling here.

Like I say, I've searched and not come up with some of these answers - perhaps the question about how capable is the stock truck might be kind of obvious cause its such a popular vehicle but I assure you I'm serious. If people would title their threads appropriately it would make it easier to search.

 

DCLB is cool, but your biggest problem is lack of "breakover angle" because of the extended wheelbase. Depending on how tough your forest roads are, a 3" lift such as "old man emu" and 33" tires might be in order. Personally, I try not to add a modification that increases capabilities until after I've been on one road where it would have proved useful -- in this case "high centered" on the frame.

See what I said above about "modify after first need." If you get "cross axled" and start spinning one front and one rear tire, it's time to think about adding an ARB locker in the back for your next trip.

Mine have quite a few dents in them. Better than nothing, but your transmission and transfer case are pretty unprotected. Trees are gnarly because they can have branches that can reach up and mangle a wiring harness or brake line. Use caution here.

As long as you're in "4 hi" 'traction control' which is the 4 wheel equivalent to the ALSD is in effect. It shuts off in 4 lo for no known reason. Most members guess that Toyota doesn't really think 'trac' is up to the job in 4 lo and that's why toyota created the upsell option ATRAC for the TRD offroad. But TRD offroad isn't available on DCLB.

The final piece of the puzzle is recovery gear. That's the stuff you want to have BEFORE you need it. Recovery strap, come along, 100 feet of the thickest rope you can get (I'm talking 5000lb breaking strength or better) shovel, various spares of 4x4 to create jack points and build a road under a stuck tire, etc...

 

Good post, thanks for the info and opinions bjmoose

 

Welcome from the GVRD. You missed our meet today, good time to ask questions.
Read here: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...-controls-trac-auto-lsd-trac-rear-locker.html
Ask questions if you still have them after.