How important is the rear locker?

Even though I am a fool, if you re-read my post it states that indeed some people need it - you, as stated, need yours.

 

i actually wasnt referring to your post bud, sorry if you thought so.

 

Does anyone know about the Eaton TRD Limited slip ? Is this a " Lunch Box " Type( centrifugal force) or is it a Switchable type of Limited Slip ?? Thanks

 

I bought my truck without a locker, I am in the process of piecing a TRD locker together. It can be done for ~$600. You can find the axles in junk yards and either just swap the 3rd member (with very minor modding to the housing) or do a full axle swap. All you need is the switch, the ecu, and the 3rd member.

Some people say you shouldn't ever need it, others say they can't live without it. Really it is a tool in your offloading bag and having the right tool for the job can make all the difference. Although you can make other tools work for you, having the right tool makes it easier.

As far as the salvaged title, IMHO if you plan to keep this truck until either you or it dies, then go for it. You are doing the right things, getting a second opinion, having a shop look it over, and talking to your insurance company. Sounds like this truck is talking to you, listen.

 

The trd one is a clutch type lsd.


If i were to get an lsd id get the truetrac

 

Thanks for the info on the Truetrac Lsd.

 

I looked at The Eaton True trac BUT which Rear diff do I have on my stock '02 Tacoma w/ 2.7 ,Auto,4x4 , 30 spline 8" or 8.4" RG. ?? Thanks,

 

8.4 but its listed as an 8" alot of times.

 

They list BOTH an 8' & 8.4 for the Tacoma -30 Spline axles ? Thanks for your help !

 

The 8" is the one with the factory locker. The 8.4" will be the non locked rear.

 

Pretty important when you need it.

 

Pretty sure the only one they make is the one you need.

 

I have the 30 Spline -2 Pinion " Unlocked Rear that why I,m looking for a LS or Locker Diff. Thanks so much for Everybodys Help !!

 

Depends on what of wheeling you do, out west your don't really need a locker unless you play in the rocks.

Depends, a member posted a few years back that his locker saved him, he was traveling over a small bridge and something happened, front right left tire dropped off the bridge and 4x4 wouldn't move him (not enough weight on the driving wheel in the rear to keep it from spinning, and the front diff was sending power to the tire in the air), so he engaged the diff lock and was able to back up and get his tire back on the bridge.

 

Mostly concerned about Snow & Ice during the Upcoming Winter here in Northern Michigan/Indiana. Also have a '05 Chevy -2wd w/ LSD that works GREAT in these conditions.

 

For snow/ice you want a LSD, NOT a locker, eaton makes some good LSD's IIRC.

 

I have the Older Powertrax LSD in my 05 Chevy 2wd -works great in Snow & on Ice . I'm looking at the Eaton Truetrac LSD for the 8.4" Rear Diff in my '02 Tacoma 4x4

 

Lsd will act same as a locker on ice/snow.

 

I have the OR and I find that in snow and ice, and we got over 150 inches of snow last year, a rear locker is no where near as effective as traction control devices. IMO, if you have a 4 wd mainly for snow conditons and have trac control with your 4 wd, it is unnecessary. I had a 4 Runner without it for 10 years and assorted other Tacoma and other toyota trucks and off road and deep mud were the only times I really felt any need.

 

On toyota trucks, in 2 wd, it will work better in slippery on road conditions. You don't need to engage a looker going from snow onto dry road. The LSD is a great intermediate traction device where you might not need even 4 wd. Off road, useless in 2wd.