Regearing to 4:56 and adding a locker (Front vs Rear)

Ok, I've decided to bite the bullet and regear, and add an ARB locker to my TRD Sport. My question is where would the locker be most advantageous front or rear?? I like the idea of adding it to the front because it's selectable and leaving the auto LSD in the rear... That being said I understand that the front is not as strong and has the possibility of breaking easier...any helpful advice would be appreciated...thanks in advance!

 

Rear would be my choice. Locked 2wd or 4wd would be nice.

 

Why not put an ARB setup on the front and the rear. You'll be paying for an air compressor anyway so might as well run both diffs.

Of course if you have to choose the rear is best. Many 2WD trucks do fine off road with just an LSD or locking diff. That's why the manufacturer offers a locking rear diff. The front diff needs a lot of play to support turning/steering far more then the rear and a locked diff binds up and won't support this. So best applied in the rear.

Honestly I'd be surprised if you needed either solution.

And why 4:56 gears? Are you running 35s or do serious rock crawling? You'll kill your MPG and overall driving satisfaction on-road. That's very hard-core.

 

Front IFS won't handle the locker if you have a heavy foot.

 

I'm leaning in the direction of adding both...as far as gears I'm running 33's and have a 2.5" lift. That being said it's constantly hunting for gears here in Eastern Washington and the 4:56's will greatly help in terms of overall performance both on and off road, towing etc... My mileage sucks anyhow and don't think it will change much because the truck will be able to use all 6 gears/OD.

 

Thanks...I do have a heavy foot lol!

 

https://youtu.be/bSKrEFcY-C4

 

Thank you...great info!!!

 

Does arb have a 16 locker out yet or is it the same as a 2nd gen?

 

I have a sport 4x4 which I believe has a bigger rear axle than the offroad. I emailed arb and was told the offroad has a smaller rear axle but they haven't had a non offroad edition model truck available to test it out. I'm curious because I would love an air locker but also don't want to be a Guinea pig lol.

 

That was true with the 2nd gen but on the 3rd gen the OffRoad has the bigger diff unless the sport is a manual in which it is the same size

 

Definitely lock the rear, if you find you're getting into hardcore wheeling scenarios where a locked rear in 4lo isn't enough, then consider doing the front. But IFS suspension + front locker can equal trouble if you aren't careful.

 

im retarded about some things, and being new to the truck world..... What does the air locker do?

 

Locks the differential (front or rear) so that you have equal amounts of power being distributed to both wheels.

Stock differentials are considered "open", in that the most power is always being delivered to the wheel with the least amount of traction. Obviously, this is no good for off-roading. If one wheel ends up off the ground, that's the wheel that's going to get all the power....so it will just spin while the one on the ground goes nowhere. When you lock that differential, power is 50/50 to both wheels so the one on the ground in that scenario can push the truck.

 

Perfecto! Thanks for the explanation! I came from the world of mustangs with superchargers and obnoxious amounts of power, then a 2016 Camry...

 

No worries! I'm not sure about mustangs but I bet they come with some kind of posi traction or limited slip differential for racing traction, similar concept to a locker but better for street driving.

 

Rear.... The rear. The front axles and tierods do not like the front lockers...

 

This is high on my list as well. Who in Eastern WA are you having do the swap, JustDifferentials in Cashmere ?

 

So until they officially release one there isn't an air locker available to the 3rd gens?

 

The rear has an LSD the front is wide open, so wouldnt a front locker help since he already has a traction helper in the back?