Is the Factory Locker Worth Waiting For?

[rdr]

So I've been shopping around for a '99 or '00 and I'm torn between holding out for one with the factory rear locking differential or just picking up a truck and adding an ARB at some point. Is the factory locking diff worth it or would I be better off with an aftermarket one anyways?

I intend to use the 4Runner as a bit of a daily driver and for fishing, camping, and wheeling...my 350Z just isn't practical for much else besides going fast

The next truck on my list to test drive: Used 2000 Toyota 4Runner Limited (White SUV) Temple, Texas

Thanks!

-RDR

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Depends how much you will be in situations that it would be an advantage;if you off road alot then it's a huge plus and a locker equipped 4Runner will always be slightly rare and easier to sell to the off road crowd if you ever decide to sell.

 

[Gerdo]

No don't wait. Buy a good 4runner even if it doesn't have a locker.

I wheeled for years without a locker. You will build so much more skill wheeling open/open. Most people don't need a locker. You can add an ARB later if you feel that you need to be locked.

Personally I feel that the ARB is far superior to the stock e-locker. It locks/unlocks instantly. I can try an obstacle open and if I need to lock I just need to not be spinning my tires, or I can be stopped, and it'll pop right in. Same with un-locking. E-lockers sometimes require some roll in and sometimes have a hard time unlocking. Sometimes you may need to back up to unlock.

 

[SCRunner12]

Here is a thread for the exact same thing when I was looking for my 99 or 00. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/79820-rear-diff-locker.html

It really depends on how quick you want to buy, what trim you are looking for, will you use it and do you want to shell out ~1k for an ARB. I have used my locker 0 times in the 3 months I have owned my 00, but I also am stock and haven't had any time to hit the trails. I do like that I have a lower gear ratio though and it is nice just to see that button every time I get into my 4runner.

Basically, if you find one like the link you provided without a locker, I wouldn't pass it up. Many experienced off-roaders suggest driving open first to gain driver skill, then getting a locker. If you can find one with a locker then great and you don't have to worry about it, but don't pass on a great vehicle. Also don't settle with something you are not quite satisfied with because it will eat at you. Good luck.

*See the veterans chimed in while I was typing.

 

[Gerdo]

We wheel the snot out of our rigs open/open. We are rock crawling.

Sometimes I'll pick the stupid hard lines just do it. For those I use my locker. I'll have the suspension fully twisted up and floating a wheel and very little pressure on the apposing wheel.

 

[t4r4life]

this one is kind of pricey

 

[rdr]

Thanks for the advice guys. The only truck I've found locally with an e-locker was driven in the northeast and had a pretty bad case of rust. I'll go check out the rig linked above on Saturday and see how it drives.

 

[J-money$$$]

I agree on not waiting for one with an e-locker. If you find a good truck then pick it up. dont get hung up on a little option like that. And like Gerdo said most people wont ever really need a locker. I dont know what you plan on doing with you 4runner, but most wheeling will not require one, or more like most wheeling you probably feel safe taking your truck on wont need a locker.

I went ultra cheap on my lockers and have less than $550 in them f+r together. I first locked the rear and found myself winching and wanting to run harder stuff still (mainly the hammers since its close). Now im f+R locked, break cv's, and love it

Good Luck on the find. Remember dont buy unless your 100%, sometimes it takes 10 different test drives to find a good used vehicle

 

[rdr]

this one is kind of pricey

I agree. If it runs well and everything checks out I'd make an offer in the 7,800 range as there are a number of scratches on the front & rear bumpers...The salesman sent an email a week or so ago saying the check engine light came on, so I'm a bit concerned it may need some work...which would only drop my offer.

 

[LittleCaesar]

If the CEL is on while test driving, get them to pull the code at the dealer and post it here. Most of the common ones everyone has seen or encountered sometime or another.

I think the 4 runner looks to be in good shape. They post nothing about the elocker in the ad, so I think they don't know anything about it.