Add posi or locker to a 2wd 1st gen tacoma

How much work is it to add a locking differential, or positrac to a 2wd 4 cylinder prerunner? We have a lot of hills & long slippery winters. Thanks

 

first off, it is a bad idea to use a locker in the winter unless you have slid into a ditch and need to get out. the locked rear can walk your end sideways down an off camber slope, and especially with your 2wd it will make it fish tail even worse than it does now.

adding a locker (say ARB) or a posi to that third is, lets just say a freaking complicated job if you do not have a lot of experience and the propor tools (and there are a lot of them)

here is a video I found of an air locker being installed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33pPBj5sr0M


messing with gears, and the differential is one of the most finicky things you can do to your truck, and a lot can go wrong.

all in all, the arb locker (best option, hands down) will run you about a grand plus install fee.

 

I'm planning on an Aussie locker eventually, simple install (just replaces the spider gears, you don't gotta fuck with the complicated stuff)

I like the idea of it being automatic, cause if you find yourself in a situation where it's needed and you have to stop and lock your ARB, you're probably already fucked and need a tow/winch out.

Plus it's way less complicated shit to break, no compressor to quit or air lines to run (and later fail)

my $.02

 

I have been stuck and hung up on an obstacle in open and locked the rear and drug my self right out out of it, same with the arb. Just saying haha.

IMO a selectable locker is second to none.

 

Thanks guys, for the info. Well, what's best for my 2WD in Winter? We have a long crappy Winter here, & it's very hilly. I have two excellent aggressive tread studded winter tires for the rear. Should I use the same size up front, with or without studs? How much weight would be enough to make it stable in winter? Thanks again.

 

IMHO, a locker (selective or not) is best for rock crawling where one tire may get in the air. A posi (LSD) would be best on a daily driver on regular roads that get icy, muddy, slippery, etc. No switch to turn on, it automatically engages/disengages.

My rig is mostly a DD, so I installed a Detroit Tru Trac (gear-driven LSD) for about $700 (unit plus installation). All i had to do, was pull the diff and take it to the shop.

Not sure what LSD units are available for your 2WD, though. Is it a pre-runner or 5-lug 2WD?

 

Lockers are great tools. But IDtruck hit the nail on the head. U dont ever wanna have a locked rear for cruising around in the snow. Becuz when both tires spin the ass end wants to go ALL over. Its good for if ur stuck and need to get out when one wheel isnt doing it.
But i know how u feel i have a 2wd comanche with open rear before my tacoma and it was rough in winters but hey it teached me how to drive haha cuz when u realize u dont have 4wd u do everything u have to not to get stuck.
But back on topic if u want to improve what u have. Add about 400 pounds of weight to the bed and get snow chains for real bad conditions.
and if you want a locker did u ever thing about getting a trd axle to swap in. It might be cheaper and all u have to do is wire it to a switch

 

well nither will help you in the winter. the auto locker could end up being a hindrance if it locks up on you and you don't realize it. So best tool for the winter is to get 4wd.


but yes, of course use the same exact tire for the front and the rear. you don't want different sizes

 

They have a good point with the snow, I've heard lots of horror stories involving lunchbox lockers in the snow. I was amazed at what a good set of tires and some weight in the bed did for me. I've never failed to make it up the mountain during a snowstorm to make some fresh tracks at the ski hill, but when it gets really bad I usually catch a ride with a friend with 4x4

 

Get a good set of tires, put some weight in the bed and I recommend the Detroit truetrac. I've had one in my prerunner for about 4 years now. I love it and I don't really have a hard time getting around in the winter. The truetrac is very reliable and great for a daily driver.

 

I have the lock right locker it's cheap but I wish I went with a selectable.