2x4 TRD rear locking dif issue

In my manual all I see is it says to engage the rear locking differential you need to set it into 4L, my truck is a 2wd with a locking differential there is no 4L. Will it engage is D or any other gear or is there still a specific way to correctly engage it?

I noticed at a stop in Drive I engage locking dif, and start to drive in lower gears the truck will start to shake a bit, when I disengage the locking differential I get the same shaking in lower gears. Any info would be great.

 

I always engage mine in Neutral.
Then shift to drive.

But the main thing is to make sure the wheels are not turning when engaging it.

I never use the locker on hard surfaces, I use it on dirt or gravel.
The truck will drive stiff on hard surfaces, and it's hard on the rear differential.

 

At least on a 4x4 it is easiest to engage the locker while moving slowly (< 3mph). Things need to line up just right for it to engage. I suspect it will be the same on the 2wd OR.

I’m guessing the “shaking” you are referring to is driveline bind while turning. The locker forces both wheels to turn the same speed, but when turning the wheels need to turn at different speeds. This causes one of the wheels to slip on the ground. On high traction surfaces this causes a lot of stress to your drivetrain and should be avoided if possible.

 

That’s true of 4lo, but not the locker. The engagement is more reliable if you are moving slowly.

 

One time I engaged the locker in drive at a stop and the rear differential locked out completely freaked me out, turned truck off and on then disengaged the locker. It did that a few more time and eventually went away. I never used the locker before that point had the truck for 6 years.

 

What do you mean by "locked out completely"? There is no partial lock mode. It's on or off.

 

what I mean is it locked out as in won’t spin at All like it stalled in a way. I started to accelerate and the truck just stopped.

 

Were you turning? If so, that's the bind up I was describing. If you are turning slowly on pavement with minimal throttle the truck will seem to be held back my a rubber band. If you give it more throttle it will cause one of the tires to slip/spin which can cause a chirp noise.

In any case, I recommend not engaging the locker on roads.

 

no I was going straight on hard surface.

 

That doesn't sound normal.

 

that’s what I’ve been saying lol

 

BTW, did you accidentally post this in the 3rd gen channel (and then a mod moved it to the 2nd gen channel) or did I accidentally respond to a post in the 2nd gen channel? lol

 

Everything you said up until "I started to accelerate and the truck just stopped" sounded normal to me, but you are also using words and phrases that seem unusual to me.

 

It’s a send Gen 2007 TRD prerunner

 

Truck shaking shouldn't be related to the diff lock. Get under there and take a look, see whats wrong.

As stated above, dont use the locker on paved surfaces. But I dont think the locker is your issue

 

I am using words that I can best describe the situation at the moment it happened. I am not an auto mechanic nor an enthusiast so I apologize for my lack of proper terminology.

 

I see that, but I thought you posted in the 3rd gen channel. I don't spend much time in the 2nd gen channel. Either I accidentally responded to your post in the 2nd gen channel or you posted in the 3rd gen channel and then a mod moved it to the 2nd gen channel.

In any case, although the 2nd gen and 3rd gen lockers are different, I think everything I've said is valid.

 

Welcome to the forum!
You have had the truck for 6yrs and never had an interest in using the locker...ok whatever.

The locker is best used while in motion below 3mph as stated above.
It can be engaged and disengaged the same way by a press of the button. No need to put in neutral, turn off truck or freak out.
Sometimes it takes longer than others.

I would suggest you take the truck to the dirt and use it to know what and how to use the locker see if that vibe you speak of goes away! You tube would be a great place to start at looking at things people have used it for whether it be for fun and function.
Good luck!

 

this is the odd thing the problem only happens when the locker is engaged and disengaged.

 

I've never not had mine lock in within 2 or 3 feet after moving.
I guess if I ever have a problem, I'll try your way.