Rear Differential Lock on basic model Tacoma

Hey everyone, Im new here, I live in Maine so I have to deal with all seasons, mud, snow, ice etc. I'm looking to have a little more traction control. I have 4x4 but like any 4x4 truck without looking differential only 2 tires spin. I'm looking to lock my rear differential maybe permanently if possible, but i don't have the trd package. I cant seem to find much information on this anywhere. Has anybody experimented with this? Is there a way to lock your rear differential without buying a whole new axle that is designed for it. What do you think about it?

 

You can buy a locker and have it installed into the 3rd member. Auto locker like a detroit, a selectable like an ARB (

$1,110 rd129 air locking differential

rd129 model) or if you want full time (I dont recommend it) you can spool or weld spiders in the diff.
If you're mostly on the street, a limited slip may even be better for you than a locker as it adds traction without locking completely. Fully locked in snow or wet pavement will cause the rear end to be 'loose' and want to swap around on you when going around turns.

Tons of threads around, just try the search function a bit.

 

Eric, that was an excellent, un-biased review for TADs (Traction Aiding Differentials). I've done them all (except spool and welded).

My recommendation, is a Detroit Trutrac, which is a gear-driven limited slip, as opposed to most LSD's, which are clutch driven. I can't tell its back there while on the road, but can really tell that its helping me while offroad.

Whatever you choose, it will cost you at least $500 for parts and labor. You can save some money by removing the third-member yourself and taking it to the shop, which is what I did. It still cost me around $700 total.