Auto locking rear differential?

I have a 2007 tacoma 4x4 SR5, (not TRD) and I was under the impression that this truck has an open rear differential. However I used my 4x4 earlier, and after using it I forgot to put it back in 2wd (Whoops). Anyways, I was turning on some gravel, and noticed the wheel that was closest to the center of my turning radius was skipping as if the rear end was locked. So my question is, do these trucks have an auto locker that only works is 4wd? Also to confirm this I put it in 4wd on the pavement to see if it would do it there and it did as well ( I know this isn’t Recommended and is bad on the 4wd system so don’t chew me out)

 

According to the 2007 Tacoma Brochure, the Limited-slip rear differential was optional.

The TRD Sport came with the Limited-slip rear differential.
The TRD Off Road came with the Locking rear differential.

 

Sounds like you have the optional LSD.

A limited slip (aka LSD or Positraction) differential is designed to send traction to the slowest-turning wheel, the thinking being that the slowest turning wheel has the best traction. This is usually accomplished with a clever gearing arrangement, only some limited-slip differentials use hydraulics or electronics to send power to the slowest-turning wheel.

 

No auto locker, now why it is recommended not to use 4wd on pavement, it's when engaged all 4 tires must turn at the same speed so when you turned on gravel which is usually just as hard as pavement the tire with the shortest distance had to give and the front tires having the most weight on them dictated wheel speed.

 

But would it not also do it in 2wd also? Usually the right rear tire is the only one that will spin when it’s in 2wd. (One tire fire)

 

yes