2010 SR5 4x2 Do I Need Locking Differential?

J

jeddyweddy

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I would like to start taking my 4runner off road but I did not purchase a model with 4x4 capabilities. Is this a must have for all unpaved roads or only the most extreme off roading? Is there an aftermarket kit that would make my 4runner a true 4x4? And if so what are the best kits on the market?
 
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To make your 4runner a 4x4, trade it in.

You should be able to do an air locker (ARB), and probably a lunchbox locker, though they do have some real trade offs. You still won't get the low gear ratio of 4lo.

2wd, even with open diff, should be fine for most any dirt road, under normal conditions.
 
I wouldn't bother with lockers either. For unpaved roads you're fine with 2wd, for logging roads, not maintained roads and offroad you're better off with 4wd, sometimes 4wd low. Lockers might help, but not much comparing with 4x4. For "most extreme" offroading 4x4 is not enough - you'll need to do some aftermarket modifications anyway. So in my opinion if you're going to anything more extreme than gravel roads or maintained dirt roads you should trade your 2wd for 4wd.
 
You can do a lot in 2wd off road, just need to learn how to manage your power. I wouldn't suggest going on trails alone, maybe a winch with a tree saver is something to invest in.
 
adio3x said:
You can do a lot in 2wd off road, just need to learn how to manage your power.
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True, but the worry is also that in 2wd you're going to spin your tires a lot more in places, wrecking the trail for others. I see it around here all the time where a manageable obstacle becomes a nightmare because guys in their F150s with street tires try it and just dig in. Finesse and knowing when to pull the plug are key. Good tires are also going to make a big difference.

adio3x said:
I wouldn't suggest going on trails alone, maybe a winch with a tree saver is something to invest in.
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Agreed. I never go alone even though I've got a winch, locker, excellent tires, and a fair amount of experience. Being stuck in mud and not having anything solid within 100' to winch off can ruin your day pretty quick :D
 
You can do a decent amount in a 2wd and there's no need to spend a ton trying make it like a 4wd. If you looking at maintained trails and dirt roads without huge mud holes just invest in some decent all terrain tires. Also learn how to feel your ride and when to apply power and how much, your worst enemy in 2wd is traction so just find good spots on the trail where you can maximize it.
 
You can do a decent amount in a 2wd and there's no need to spend a ton trying make it like a 4wd. If you looking at maintained trails and dirt roads without huge mud holes just invest in some decent all terrain tires. Also learn how to feel your ride and when to apply power and how much, your worst enemy in 2wd is traction so just find good spots on the trail where you can maximize it. Your never going to have the off road abilities of a 4x4 so know your limitations. Main thing is be smart and pick your fights because its frustrating and ruins the experience getting stuck every time you turn the corner.
 
I think getting a locker is a good thing and here is why:

Believe it or not most of my off roading is done in 2WD. I go with confidence because I have four honest backups if I start spinning or get stuck somewhere.
1. 4WD
2. ATRAC
3 4LOW
4. Locker

I take lines in 2WD knowing if I start to spin in the slightest I have many more options. If I only had 2WD then I would not even go a lot of those places. If you get a locker, you could be slightly more aggressive with your lines. I don't use the other wizards except VSC "off" in super slick conditions. The numbers above are the order of my actions in certain situations. I have not had to use the locker but 4L several times. I know if I have to use the locker, and I am still stuck, the next call is to [MENTION=66300]Intruder[/MENTION] to come down and get me because I will be so far stuck it will take a Canadian to get me out.

2WD vehicles have no back ups. The locker will give you one.
 
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You can go a lot of places in 2wd. I'd keep an eye on the weather and stick to wheeling on sunny days though, because even with a locker too much mud or clay will whoop your butt. And while you can certainly take a 2wd off pavement, two tracks and fire roads aren't really wheeling. If all you're into is the mellow stuff, then you truck will be fine, but if you want to get into technical driving you'll hit your trucks limits pretty fast. A locker will help, but not much.

I think the best advice for a guy with a late model 2wd who wants to get into wheeling is to forget modding what you've got and grab an early model 4wd that you won't mind abusing. An ARB locker is probably going to run you $1200 or more installed, and at $1500 you start looking at first and second gen 4Runners that may not be in the best shape but are running and ready for a trail. Invest in a tow tolly and use your street queen to get you to and from the trail, and you're golden!
 
1engineer said:
Believe it or not most of my off roading is done in 2WD. I go with confidence because I have four honest backups if I start spinning or get stuck somewhere.
1. 4WD
2. ATRAC
3 4LOW
4. Locker
Click to expand...
Just be careful you don't get yourself into a situation in 2WD that all of those other things won't get you out of. Most times I get stuck, it is in a place I would have made it through easily with all of the gizmos turned on, but was being complacent.
 
It's unnecessary - if you're just on dirt roads, you'll be fine. If you plan on wheeling any harder than that, trade your 2Runner in for a 4Runner.
 
1engineer said:
I know if I have to use the locker, and I am still stuck, the next call is to [MENTION=66300]Intruder[/MENTION] to come down and get me because I will be so far stuck it will take a Canadian to get me out.
Click to expand...
Hah, I'll be there for you Greg (as long as you give me gas money).
 
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