Locker for 2wd 08 T4R for Snow/Offroad?

[CrossFitGuy32]

Hey guys!

I have an 08 2wd T4R with 32in BFG All Terrains and I was wondering how good of an option would it be to invest in some lockers to help out in some off road situations and snow? I deal with more snow than going off road, but did not know how good or bad lockers would be? Thanks for all the help!

 

[ebg18t]

Hey guys!

I have an 08 2wd T4R with 32in BFG All Terrains and I was wondering how good of an option would it be to invest in some lockers to help out in some off road situations and snow? I deal with more snow than going off road, but did not know how good or bad lockers would be? Thanks for all the help!

It would be 'a' locker not 'some' lockers. It will help but I would suggest a selectable locker like an ARB.

If you do a standard Detroit (always locked) may feel the rear binding. Or you could look at a TruTrac. I used a TruTrac years ago and really liked the feel.

 

[fourwd1]

A locker can cause unpredictable handling in snow and ice. The back-end of the truck can start sliding sideways. This is when a select able locker is nice, but they are pricey.
You might also want to look into a limited slip as an alternative.

 

[hurt4x]

Being 2wd, I would not get one for the snow. As soon as you break traction the rear end is going to want to break loose and is very un-predictable. Offroad the locker will help you, but in the snow it will work against you. So if you do decide to get one definitely go with a selectable.

 

[xxaarraa]

I saw instead of spending money on 4WD mods, you go trade your 2wd for a 4wd 4Runner.

 

[Jeremy556]

Hey guys!

I have an 08 2wd T4R with 32in BFG All Terrains and I was wondering how good of an option would it be to invest in some lockers to help out in some off road situations and snow? I deal with more snow than going off road, but did not know how good or bad lockers would be? Thanks for all the help!

As mentioned above, trade it for a 4WD. A locker will will be far more harm than good on snow/ice. It is helpful off-road, but not nearly as much as lower gearing and 2 driven axles.

 

[eddiebx]

Since you're kind of on the subject, do any of you guys find that 2WD kind of sucks when in any amount of deep snow (6"+)? I'm new to owning a truck, but I was really not impressed at all with my 4runner when left in 2WD (this is with GY Duratracs mounted, even worse with OE tires). But maybe my expectations are just too high hwell:

Is it just the lack of weight over the rear axle? I swear my FWD CRV can probably make it through some patches of deep snow where my 4runner would just be stuck if left in RWD! (possibly exaggerating here, I never tested them side by side, lol)

 

[JB.]

Is it just the lack of weight over the rear axle?

That'd be my guess.

Some weight in the bed of 2wd pickup truck makes a big difference in snow. The 4runner is better balanced than a pickup but that would still be my guess as to why you're underwhelmed by the snow traction in 2wd.

 

[CrossFitGuy32]

What brand for a limited slip differential would y'all recommend for me to install and about how much would it run? Thanks!

 

[CrossFitGuy32]

Since you're kind of on the subject, do any of you guys find that 2WD kind of sucks when in any amount of deep snow (6"+)? I'm new to owning a truck, but I was really not impressed at all with my 4runner when left in 2WD (this is with GY Duratracs mounted, even worse with OE tires). But maybe my expectations are just too high hwell:

Is it just the lack of weight over the rear axle? I swear my FWD CRV can probably make it through some patches of deep snow where my 4runner would just be stuck if left in RWD! (possibly exaggerating here, I never tested them side by side, lol)

A few weeks ago we had around 5+ inches of snow here in St. Louis and I got out in my 2wd T4R and I was actually pleasantly surprised at how well it did. I did not get stuck, but did slip a few times, but I have some BFG ATs on it and I believe that made a huge difference I just stayed in 1st and 2nd gear the whole time and took it slow and methodical. I even turned on what Toyota calls the Auto LSD and it helped out so overall I was pretty impressed with my rig in the snow!

 

[eddiebx]

That'd be my guess.

Some weight in the bed of 2wd pickup truck makes a big difference in snow. The 4runner is better balanced than a pickup but that would still be my guess as to why you're underwhelmed by the snow traction in 2wd.

I've been tempted to try and throw some heavy cargo in the trunk to put that theory to rest, but every time it starts snowing, it's just too f-in cold for me to want to putz around, lol.

What brand for a limited slip differential would y'all recommend for me to install and about how much would it run? Thanks!

I don't think you're really going to benefit from a true LSD in slippery/snowy conditions because both tires would have very little traction to begin with; so trying to direct the power from the wheel that slips to the wheel that grips is kind of a lost cause, lol.

If your factory "auto LSD" function operates the way I think it does (applying the brakes on the wheel that is slipping), it should probably do a decent job in getting you out of trouble if you drive slowly.

A few weeks ago we had around 5+ inches of snow here in St. Louis and I got out in my 2wd T4R and I was actually pleasantly surprised at how well it did. I did not get stuck, but did slip a few times, but I have some BFG ATs on it and I believe that made a huge difference I just stayed in 1st and 2nd gear the whole time and took it slow and methodical. I even turned on what Toyota calls the Auto LSD and it helped out so overall I was pretty impressed with my rig in the snow!

You know the more I think about it, it's probably because I got spoiled throwing it into 4WD. I feel like maybe I didn't give it a fair chance since at every sign of slipping in 2WD I just throw it into 4WD right away.

 

[Stuck CAPS]

Hey guys!

I have an 08 2wd T4R with 32in BFG All Terrains and I was wondering how good of an option would it be to invest in some lockers to help out in some off road situations and snow? I deal with more snow than going off road, but did not know how good or bad lockers would be? Thanks for all the help!

If you're planning on installing it yourself, I'll assume you have mechanical knowledge. Now, if you're looking at something like an air locker in back, it'll cost you around $1100. A locker can help a bit offroad, although most people I've heard from say that a locked 2wd won't really get you unstuck, it will just prevent getting stuck for a little bit (e.g. it doesn't do much). Now, if you're really mechanically savvy, and have about $2500, you could just swap drivetrains with a wrecked 4x4. It's all bolt-up and most of it is pre-wired. It can allow you to keep your truck, and in a lot of cases, you can get it cheaper, thus this being cheaper than a trade-in.

On another note, where in STL are you? I'm out in the Chesterfield Area.

 

[Stuck CAPS]

That'd be my guess.

Some weight in the bed of 2wd pickup truck makes a big difference in snow. The 4runner is better balanced than a pickup but that would still be my guess as to why you're underwhelmed by the snow traction in 2wd.

That is why the suspension I have yet to install sits in my trunk, lol.

 

[ebg18t]

What brand for a limited slip differential would y'all recommend for me to install and about how much would it run? Thanks!

I mentioned earlier to look at the TruTrac. ECGS will give you prices etc. None of these are going to be great for snow.. but…


http://www.eaton.com/Eaton/ProductsServices/Automotive/AutomotiveAftermarket/Differentials/PCT_338418