Locking the differential

[Rnuttall]

I have a 2007 4Runner SR5 4WD.

I know that you can lock the differential when you are in 4H and it automatically locks when in 4LO.

My question is, can you lock differential when in 2WD(2H) so you're only locking the back 2 wheels? Is that possible without a mod?

 

[JimInTN]

Are you talking about the center diff lock or the optional rear diff lock?

The rear diff lock never automatically locks....

 

[Mike07SE]

The way it works on your truck:

Front or rear differential: Neither can be locked from the factory unless you have upgraded to ARB lockable lockers. This MY truck has no option for a locking rear.

2HI - Nothing can be done.
4HI - Center diff is open unless switched to lock.
4LO - Center diff is open unless switched to lock. Great feature as you can use 4LO to operate on tarmac without the locked side effects (ie - pulling a boat out of the launch).

 

[bob3dsf]

With the v6, you can set it on 4Hi and drive it around just fine. The center diff is open and the truck is operating just like the v8's with AWD. Since the center diff is open it allows the front and rear drive shafts to spin at different speeds. When you lock the center diff, you lock the front and rear drive shafts together, just like traditional 4wd systems found on pickup trucks. You cannot (rather, should not) drive on dry pavement with the center diff locked UNLESS you will ONLY drive in a straight line (for very short periods). The traction of your tires will force the drive shafts to try to turn at different rates if you turn or travel in an arc. With the shafts locked together at the center diff/transfer case = bad news for your gears.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[dkyleb]

Just a FYI for the guys in this thread, the 09' TE T4Rs came with a rear locker.

 

[CruzadoBlanco]

we do not have a locking rear. we have a differential in our transfercases that allows the V6s to run 4wd on the street without binding and the V8s run full time 4wd without the option to go to 2wd. The center diff does not automatically lock, it does however automatically bias torque front and rear though. When you lock the center diff it makes the 4wd drive system act like a true part time 4wd. our actual front and rear diffs from the factory are open with no physical traction aid, toyota uses an ABS based system called ATRAC to aid in low traction scenarios.

 

[Mike07SE]

Just a FYI for the guys in this thread, the 09' TE T4Rs came with a rear locker.

That's why I stated his MY doesn't have one.

 

[CruzadoBlanco]

That's why I stated his MY doesn't have one.

yeah but he doesnt have an 09 trail, hes got an 07. i see your point, but its kinda moot. also very very few 09 trails were ever sold here, i think there is like all of 2-3 guys on here that have one that i've seen. i mean i have a factory locking rear, but i put that in 11 years after the truck was originally sold.

 

[Mike07SE]

yeah but he doesnt have an 09 trail, hes got an 07. i see your point, but its kinda moot. also very very few 09 trails were ever sold here, i think there is like all of 2-3 guys on here that have one that i've seen

MY = Model Year. Not sure where I referred to the TE knowing he didn't have one. I also stated that unless he had ARB lockers (assuming he doesn't), locking his rear end is out of the question. Sorry if this has been misread.

 

[nevada]

I have a 2007 4Runner SR5 4WD.

I know that you can lock the differential when you are in 4H and it automatically locks when in 4LO.

My question is, can you lock differential when in 2WD(2H) so you're only locking the back 2 wheels? Is that possible without a mod?

just so its clear, the answer is NO. not in its original configuration.


also, I do not believe 4low will automatically lock the center diff/tcase either. that is a separately required action on your part.

 

[Mike07SE]

also, I do not believe 4low will automatically lock the center diff/tcase either. that is a separately required action on your part.

Correct. Simply switching over to 4LO will not lock the CDL. That switch must still be pressed to activate.

 

[Billynath1988]

no and No..

locking the center diff.. makes the front and rear tires lock to spin at the same speed. but not side to side.. also 4lo has nothing to do with anything being locked... it does not auto activate the Center lock. you must engage that in the transfer case with the button.

Rear locker meaning the rear wheels side to side do not lock on ANY factory 4th gen 4runner EXCEPT the 09 TE.

 

[CruzadoBlanco]

MY = Model Year. Not sure where I referred to the TE knowing he didn't have one. I also stated that unless he had ARB lockers (assuming he doesn't), locking his rear end is out of the question. Sorry if this has been misread.

i meant to quote Dkyleb. my bad