E-locker capability

[ARC]

This.

One of my primary concerns is not tearing up the trail further with lots of wheelspin. That can lead to a trail being closed.

You might be able to make it through a trail with a 2wd using speed and wheelspin. But speed makes it likely you'll damage your vehicle, and lots of wheelspin damages the trail.

Ideally, I want to drive a trail in an easy and controlled manner. Which means low-range 4wd, and using the locker when it contributes to keeping me moving without abusing my truck, or tearing up the terrain.

Yes, I wheeled for years with open diffs, and learned about picking good lines, etc. Then after some of my favorite trails were closed due to damage to the trails, I saw the light of doing less damage to trails to keep the trails open and accessible.

Also to be clear I don't use speed or wheel spin to get to where I need to be. Wheel spin makes me cringe thinking of CV's spinning and bouncing. The fact is a 4runner without a locker is extremely capable in 4lo with proper clutch and throttle control without wheel spin.

Also considering I spent over $1500 on a set of tires I don't like spin them if I can avoid it.

 

[TheeMikeB]

Yabbut, your version of "offroad" is a much different animal than the guy upthread talking about "pretty flat gravel trails".

I agree with you and Mike - if you're really wheeling, lockers are not only helpful but nigh mandatory. But I get the feeling that the OP won't be taking on a rated trail any time soon. He doesn't need a locker.

Exactly, kinda like ARC mentioned too. "If you are asking, you probably don't need it'. I kinda get tired of these posts esp when they are new users and only like 1 or 2 posts and the first thing is either which tires, lift, or locker. But I don't want to stomp anybody's enthusiasm so I try and help.

My corolla can handle 'flat gravel trails'

 

[nlopez711]

I appreciate everyone's feedback; sounds like for what I will be doing with the 4runner I don't need the e-locker.

 

[Atrox Caeda]

I appreciate everyone's feedback; sounds like for what I will be doing with the 4runner I don't need the e-locker.

At least you'll find out if you do the way everyone else with experience did.