Open Differential 4x4 tacoma

What are the capabilities of an open diff? Is it off road capable?

thoughts? Any pictures or vids of people pushing open diffs to the max?

How much do tires play in a 4x4's capabilities

 

^what they said

Had an 07 SR5, it followed my buddies 02 offroad (locker and 33" km2s) just about everywhere we tried to explore. Tires seem to make all the difference in the world. Got my '15 stuck in the snow....buried in the snow, locker didn't do much for me at that point, but I'll bet my old LT rated toyos aired down would've gotten me out, or at least further than the damn rugged trails

 

With good tires it is still very capable. Takes some skill, some winching, and some stacking of rocks; but you can get through most trails that folks are using lockers on.

Wheeling with open/open makes me appreciate my lockers. Also gives you quite the education in traction, suspension articulation, etc. as it becomes very important to manage which wheels are in contact with the ground when you are a "one tire fire" per axle.

 

open diffs will get you a lot of places if you take your time and wheel according to the terrain, sure a locker is very nice, but it is not necessary. Tires are a massive deciding factor as to how far you can go. a locked taco with stock tires will not do get through slick stuff like an open diff taco with proper off road tires. the locker is really only a huge advantage when one of the rear wheels is no longer contacting the ground. with the lack of front end travel on the average taco the locker does come in handy to push the rig through/over things...

 

The bjmoose rule of offroading is: add capabilities (like locking differentials and expensive armor) only after you've been to/on a trail where it would have been useful.

You have to be willing to turn around, and come back another time.

But that'll keep you from blowing a lot of coin on capabilities you might not need.

The exception is minimal safety and recovery gear, which you should pack BEFORE you ever need it.

And good tires. It's OK to upgrade to good tires before you need them too.

 

Moar skinny pedal! LOL.

But seriously, no matter how well the truck is built, being willing to turn back and try again another time when better prepared saves damage.

 

yellow wire mod, that should help a good bit

 

I've been wheeling for 25 years and this is the first time ive had a locking differential. Locking dif helps in some situations but you can definitely get by or make do in most situations without one...I would consider a winch and a hilift jack more necessary than a locking diff. You will always need recovery gear at some point.

Tires? Tires make a huge difference.

 

Thanks,

everyone's been real helpful. I just bought a manual 4x4 2007 Taco and am pleased as peach.

I really bought it for the purpose of not getting stuck in the snow in my car for hours and hours like last year. Also wanted to take camping; so may hit some muddy trails and hard to reach places.

Tires and Winch are definitely next on my list. I have a stock bumper -- would I need to consider replacing the front bumper?

 

You do not need to replace the stock bumper unless you are smashing it on the rocks. A better solution would be to consider an avid light bar/ bumper guard.

 

Yes, if I add a winch.

-- I live in Georgia. Had a mild snow storm last year and got stranded on an icey road that I couldn't get off of. Luckily, a good Samaritan in a Land Rover Discovery picked me up. Decided to get a 4x4, but just not a LR.. not very reliable.

 

A land cruiser is def in the future. or an international scout... we'll see. I could sit here all night dreaming of cars!

 

Ok,

What are the best tires then? I was considering BF Goodrich

 

daily driver with abilities to do mud and rarely snow

 

A method I have used often.

 

Well if you are looking for a cheap bumper that is winch suitable I have a older body armor bumper just laying around as I have change to the ARB

 

Coming from a guy that drives an "open diff" SUV now and in the past with a lock Up TJ(over 30k invested when said and done)... Tires, throttle control and your driving abilities make all the difference in the world...

 

I've owned at least a dozen 4X4 vehicles since the 1970's. My current Taco is the only one I've ever owned capable of locking the rear axle and I've never had a need to use it. I don't do any real hard core wheeling, that is what the Honda Rancher is for. But I've been in some pretty bad places in ice, snow, and on farm roads etc. A locking rear diff will get you in trouble in ice/snow. Better off without it. The traction control used on most modern vehicles is a better option for that than a locking diff in snow. Years ago most farmers couldn't afford a 4X4 truck so they used chains on open diff 2 wheel drive trucks very successfully.

They are often overlooked by younger drivers, but a set of chains on the rear axle will take you places in slick stuff that you'd never imagine. They aren't just for snow. Chain up both axles and you're even better off. Most modern vehicles don't have enough room on the front, and many not on the rear.

Check out the VW with running chains.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzUIVLWnn5U

 

Thank you for the replies! Airmain -- how much for the bumper?
DoorDing -- good suggestions for tires.

Does anyone drive a manual Tacoma? 6-speed? Love mine, but having difficulty learning.

 

Tire and sliders can get you to some pretty awesome places. Sure there's been times when I would have loved to have an easy button but it hasn't stopped me from getting anywhere yet