Locking differential

If you had to do it again would you get the rear locker or make do with plain old 4 wheels drive? Speaking as a non off roader, but we get some pretty bad snow storms.

 

I definitely like having my locker.

 

I have gotten into the fun stuff with no issues without a locker. The standard TCS is really good even though our vacuum assist booster isn't as good as the ORs / Pros. Zero regrets here. Snow is NBD. I have always gotten to work with zero effort in the rare snows that we have and have done some fun wheeling in some deep stuff.

Just get some good tires and be happy. My thing is to look for max rain traction in the ratings, balanced with price and overall rating. With that, I have had great luck and excellent traction in all conditions.

In fact, your MT SR is quite rare and a keeper. If you ever find the limits and want a locker, considering your Taco, just add one and drive that thing until the wheels fall off.

 

For snow, you typically want 4hi to prioritize wheel spin/wheel speed; and factory locker does not engage in 4hi. So from that perspective, plain ol' 4wd is sufficient. I very rarely, if ever, use locker during snow wheeling; and especially not on road. Even if I had aftermarket locker or modded factory to work in hi, the only scenario I might use it in would be a long steep offroad hill climb; or if I was really stuck (buried in snow in a ditch or something).

 

It really depends on where you go. I'm 95% on paved roads. When I am off road they are higher ground clearance but passable. In 12 years (today actually) I bet I've used it 5 times. Two of those times I locked it in because I was on my front lawn and was pulling out stumps and bushes. A couple more was because I drove off the side of the road more than I should have in snow. I wouldn't buy an OR just for the locker again but if it has it I'll use it when I need to.

 

Thanks for the replies. I'm trading for one with more creature comforts.

 

If you are on mostly or only road, then dedicated snows are the way to go. Unbelievable difference in traction. As pointed out, none of the factory stuff works in 4H anyway.

 

Good to know. I didn't know a locker doesn't work in 4H. I think I've only used 4 lo in my truck once. And that was just to make sure it works.

 

$1,091 ARB Toyota 8" Air Locking Differential - RD132

https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/arb-t...qlL-aGpfQYQCk3IJnDHAyvBxIDLYFyBsaAtMMEALw_wcB

 

Rear lockers aren't really going to do much for you in the snow. Especially when the truck has simulated LSDs.

 

Dang. I think you're gonna miss that gem.

Good luck!

 

I go to 4hi in the snow but haven't used 4lo yet so obviously no need for a locker in the truck. I've used the front/rear lockers in the Jeep in snow/offroad but mostly for fun while dicking around, not out of necessity.

 

I had the same truck as you, 2017 SR 4cy MT 4x4. It was a great truck and the power was fine. That said, for me, I like my 2020 TRDOR a lot more. It pulls a 21 foot Ranger Bass boat pretty well and like you I wanted a few more bells and whistles and I do use the rear locker occasionally too.

 

Love my locker! Last week I was driving up a steep, wet snow, unplowed road in 4Hi and the truck twisted and slid sideways. Put her in 4Lo and engaged the locking diff and motored up the hill easy peasy. The locker is a great tool to have in the box. If there's a rough hill where one of the rear wheels loses traction engaging the locker will allow you to slowly go up the hill. Without the locker you may have to back down and try to power up, probably banging up the undercarriage. I've used the locker about 5 times but was really thankful for having it.

 

Im 2wd having a rear locker gets me where I need go.

 

It is quite a big difference for you as it is available in High Range. Everyone else has to be in Low Range only. Although, folks are working on the Anytime solution that should have come from the factory.

 

I had no idea the rear locker only worked in 4lo. I haven't needed it yet (only 5k miles on my 2021 DCSB Off-Road) so I hadn't messed with it. That kind of sucks - it would be extremely helpful in 4hi, especially in the snow. I know folks in this thread think it's not necessary in the white stuff, but I've always used a rear locker to great effect when there's a lot of snow on the ground. Oh well! Guess I'm going to sell this piece of sh*t.

 

Lol I get the dilemma but my first taco a 02 TRD OR came with rear lockers and I’ve only used it a few times BUT those few times got me out of a jam. Lol. Once was just incase situation as 4 other trucks couldn’t make it up this pass and I did it 3 times forward and once in reverse and the one guy said you dam Toyota guys can go anywhere. Lol. He beat the snot out of his new Ram Rebel trying to get through it. He ended up in the trees and tore up his passenger side bad. I was like holy cow that’s a new truck but I think his ego got the best of him to prove his rebel could make it. But he didn’t. This was a snow issue and not mud or anything. My little yota just putted through it. Was very satisfying.

 

You should exercise all the bits that are electrically activated. This keeps the actuators happy. Not only that, you will find out the strange limitations for successful activation than when you might need it in a more stressful situation. 4Lo and the Locker are noted to be somewhat difficult to engage. It took me a short while to fully get used to getting in and out of Low Range, where a physical lever would have been easier.

 

I thought Rebels came with front and rear lockers? Still though, mass, tires, and contact patch is greatly different.


I would agree that Tacos do surprisingly well.