2wd rear locking differentials suggestions

I have a base model 1997 Toyota taco 5-speed 2wd and looking to go off roading and btw i didn’t settle on a 4x4 because I didn’t see any in my price range at the time but now I’m looking for to have some fun I’m wondering if there’s any thing I can do such as rear locking diffs or tire suggestions or anything that isn’t switching out to a 4x4 because I don’t look into selling my little truck yet suggestions and links would be highly appreciated thanks!

 

I would look around in 1st Gen forums. Won't get much help in this forum.


Figure out what differential your truck has then look for lockers for it. Probably going to be looking for an auto locker.

 

Before my 4x4 I had a 99 2wd Prerunner and I got bit by the offroading bug with that truck. Constantly got stuck on easy trails (not fire roads) and eventually put a locker in the rear...it was a night/day difference what that did for the truck. A locked 2wd can tackle quite a bit. In some cases might even be better than an open diff 4x4 (let's not get carried away though).

But in the end, all that did was get me more excited for even harder trails that my locked 2wd had no business being on, so I got a rear locked 4x4 instead. But to answer your question, putting a locker in the rear of a Prerunner is a great way to make it more capable

 

Just saw you have a 5 speed 97 Tacoma...that means you have a 5lug then right? Are you lifted? 5 lugs have very low ground clearance which isn't good for the kinds of trails you would want a locker on

 

I think this too but people are out there Wheeling subraus and awd Honda wagons. Lol

 

My Pre Runner I'm running a Detroit locker !!!

 

Are we talking about a 6 lug Pre-runner 2wd, or a 5 lug 2wd?? There is a HUGE difference in what your recommended course of action would be.

Either way, a locker is cool, and TRD Pre-runners come with them, but keep in mind an open diff 4x4 will be VASTLY superior off-road to a locked 2wd. So they have lockers - cool. Their only drive wheels are where pickup trucks have the least traction (no weight over the bed).

So, with that in mind:

Option 1 (6 lug pre-runner): Hook up with @BartMaster1234 and see how he converted his pre-runner to 4x4 for way less than $1500. 100% bolt on conversion.

Option 2 (5 lug): Buy a pre-runner and see option 1.

Option 3: (5 lug): Check out some of the guys who have converted their 5 lugs into pre-runners. This is not for the faint of heart, though, these are generally pretty serious go-fast rigs with highly modified long travel suspension, etc... This is best done when you have a money tree in the back yard. You could probably buy a PreRunner and convert it to 4x4 by the time you've fully outfitted a 5 lug.

 

my brother used to take his '84 VW GTI out "wheelin". But high school kids do a lot of stupid shit.

But like I said in my above post, a 4wd will always be more capable than a 2wd, especially a 2wd pickup truck.