Did Toyota ever put a locking diff in the Tacoma?

Since 2005 did Toyota ever put a factory locking differential in the Tacoma?

 

Yes, the TRD Off Road has it. I have not had to use mine yet, but I do verify that it still works from time to time. The 2WD PreRunners may also have it, but I am not sure.

 

They started well before 2005 on all TRD Off-Road's, even Prerunners.

 

I believe they started earlier with the locking diff.........I had a 2003 TRD Off Road that had Rear Diff Lock switch, idk when they started though

 

The locking diffs were offer in the early or mid 90s land cruiser, then starting I believe in 96 to 2002 4runners. Then in 98 was when Toyota offered the off road package for the tacoma and it has been available in the off road package ever since.

 

Was/is this a standard feature in the 4wd models or a special feature? Reason I ask is I am looking at used models and need to know if it's something I need to specifically look for.

 

I knew someone would chime in soon! TW FTW!

 

this was just answered like 10 times

 

TRD Off Road models only 2wd & 4wd............TRD Sport comes with LSD

 

12 ... and counting!

I read somewhere (link) that the locking diffs were offered in the early or mid '90's (I can't remember which) Land Cruiser, and then starting in '96 to 2002 it was available in the 4 Runner. Then in '98 to present (I think it's still around) it was offered in the TRD Off Road package for the Tacoma.

Frank

 

Locking rear diff is not standard, only offer in tacomas with the off road package. There is a button to the left of the steering wheel that is noted I believe rear diff lock. Also next to the third member there is is a actuator about the size of an apple.

 

I feel like i have seen that somewhere else also hmmmm

 

Oops my bad

 

No biggie... it's not like info is just laying around the internet or anything.

Frank

 

Pretty sure from '98 forward the Elocker was an option that came with the TRD package

 

Can someone explain why my 1996 owners manual has a section talking about the locking diff. and how to use it if they only came in 1998 and up models?

 

I don't know, maybe it covered other models of same year that had a locking diff option....

 

The manual probably refers to models with the option. Since 4runner and tacoma share same drive train, the owners manual was probably printed the same in the 4wd section for 4runner and for tacoma. In 96, only the 4runner had a rear locking diff (only some models) and the land cruiser had both front and rear locking diffs (only some models).

 

I'll have to research it because it seems to be written specifically for the Tacoma, talks about engaging the free wheeling hubs first (pretty sure 4runners all had A.D.D) and has an illustration of a truck in a ditch spinning wheels.

 

they print one manual and throw it in all related trucks